NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe's flagship specialty communications, PR and events network, today announced it has been selected as the agency of record for Encore Capital Group, Inc., a leading distressed consumer debt buying and recovery company, after a competitive review.

Led by Peter Harris, Senior Vice President and North American Corporate Practice Director, MSLGROUP will implement strategy for Encore's media relations, government affairs, and investor relations efforts, as well as focus on the company's reputation management program.  This appointment spans MSLGROUP's global capabilities, drawing on MSL Washington DC and MSL New York, along with Kekst and Company and Hanmer MSL, the largest public relations firm in India.

"With the diverse areas of expertise within our network, we are positioned to provide the global support and insights needed as Encore Capital Group aims to provide value for its shareholders and partners, while creating opportunities for consumers to resolve their financial obligations as they pursue financial health," Harris said.

"We were greatly impressed by MSLGROUP's collaborative approach, along with the team's knowledge of both our company and industry," said Brandon Black, CEO of Encore Capital Group. "By providing strong thought leadership about the political landscape and significant creativity, MSLGROUP is very well positioned to support our company's growth, and we look forward to a strong partnership."

About Encore Capital Group, Inc.

Encore Capital Group is a leader in consumer debt buying and recovery.  The company purchases portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables from banks, credit unions, consumer finance companies, commercial retailers, auto finance companies and telecommunication companies and manages them by partnering with individuals as they repay their obligations and work toward financial recovery.

Headquartered in San Diego, Encore is a publicly traded NASDAQ Global Select company (ticker symbol: ECPG) and a component stock in the Russell 2000 and the Wilshire 4500.  Encore's performance derives from its sophisticated and widespread use of analytics, its investments in data and consumer intelligence, its cost leadership position (based on the company's enterprise-wide, account-level cost database as well as its India facility), and the commitment to see principled intent drive every consumer interaction.  More information on the Company can be found at www.encorecapitalgroup.com.

About MSLGROUP

MSLGROUP is a speciality communications and engagement group that's one of the world's top 5 PR and events networks.  With more than 2,500 people, its offices span 22 countries and cover virtually every discipline required for clients to engage creatively with their audiences 24 hours a day. Adding affiliates and partners into the equation, MSLGROUP's reach increases to 4,000 employees in 83 countries.  The group offers clients strategic advice, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas – followed by thorough execution.  MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe's flagship PR and Events network. www.mslgroup.com

About Publicis Group

Publicis Groupe [listed on the Euronext Paris Exchange - FR0000130577 - and part of the CAC 40 index] is the world's third largest communications group. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, Publicis Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of advertising services through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and numerous agencies including Fallon, 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and Kaplan Thaler Group. VivaKi combines digital and media expertise, allowing to connect with consumers in a holistic way, with Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia worldwide media networks; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish networks. VivaKi develops new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis Groupe's specialized agencies and marketing services offer healthcare communications with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG, the first network in healthcare communications), sustainability communications and multicultural communications. With MSLGROUP, one of the world's top three PR and Events networks, expertise ranges from corporate and financial communications to public relations and public affairs, branding, social media marketing and events. www.publicisgroupe.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including, most importantly, those statements preceded by, or that include, the words "may," "believe," "projects," "expects," "anticipates" or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). These statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results and growth. For all "forward-looking statements," Encore Capital Group, Inc. (the "Company") claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company and its subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE MSLGROUP

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