MDC Partners Acquires Equity Interest in Leading Independent Integrated Creative Agency Doner

New Partnership Builds on Agency's Strong Growth, Blue-Chip Client Relationships and Creative Innovation

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Apr 04, 2012, 06:00 ET

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MDC Partners announced today that it has acquired an interest in creative agency Doner, headquartered in Detroit and one of the largest independent agency networks in the world. MDC Partners has acquired a significant minority interest in the agency, with the option to increase its stake to a majority interest at any time. The 600-person integrated agency has over $1 billion in billings and has built on its strong creative legacy to create a modern, integrated creative network with offices in Detroit, Cleveland, London and Newport Beach.

Doner, established in Detroit in 1937, is led by co-CEOs David DeMuth and Rob Strasberg. When longtime Doner executive DeMuth took the prime leadership role of the agency in 2008, he recruited Strasberg, who also serves as creative chief, from Crispin Porter + Bogusky to bring a fresh creative perspective and amplified creative vigor to the agency. Since then, they have worked together to leverage the agency's rich heritage, cultivate a strong culture of creative innovation, and attract an impressive string of new client partners including AutoZone, Avery Dennison, Choice Hotels, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Harman, Jeep, Perkins and Ram, among others.

"David and Rob have created a potent agency model for the future and are writing the new chapter of what will be one of the great agency stories," said Miles Nadal, Chairman and CEO of MDC Partners. "The agency has proven itself as an exceptionally successful micronetwork with an entrepreneurial culture and smart, strategic management. Its team has done an impressive job building on Doner's heritage to position the agency for the future, and we are eager to play a part in further accelerating that success."

In addition to bolstering its blue-chip client roots, Doner has actively participated in the renaissance of Detroit, contributing meaningfully to its longtime home. Together with its geographic expansion, the agency has significantly grown and developed its flagship office and attracted top creative talent from around the world.

"We've always prided ourselves on being an agency that is nimble and insight-driven and above all, client-focused," said DeMuth. "We're privileged to have exceptional clients who are dedicated to our partnership to drive measurable and effective results through creativity. With MDC Partners, we'll be able to enhance the resources we offer our clients and continue to expand our capabilities on a global basis."

"Helping lead Doner has been one of the most satisfying parts of my advertising journey," said Strasberg. "The people here have inspired me with their talent, hard work and innovative thinking -- they make it fun to come to work everyday. I believe that in partnership with MDC Partners, we will continue to enhance our reputation for creative thought leadership and further drive brilliant and effective work for our clients. I'm thrilled to join MDC Partners' stellar group of agencies. Doner's creative sandbox just got a lot more fun to play in."

Over the last decade, Doner has also expanded its highly integrated capabilities to include a robust media planning and buying practice, as well as sophisticated production facilities, advanced digital expertise and strong analytics capabilities that guide strategic design and performance optimization. Today, the agency partners with over 35 new and longtime clients including ADT, AutoTrader.com, Avery Dennison, Choice Hotels International, Chrysler Group LLC, The Coca-Cola Company, The Coleman Company, Cox Communications, DuPont, Harman, Serta Sherwin-Williams, Shell Lubricants and The UPS Store.

"MDC Partners believes in our mission and shares our entrepreneurial spirit," added DeMuth. "We were especially attracted to MDC Partners' DNA, and we aligned immediately on our strategic vision. Together with the MDC Partners team, Doner will be uniquely positioned to further bring that vision to life."

About Doner

Based in Detroit, Doner is an independent agency with offices in the United States and London, serving clients including ADT, AutoTrader.com, Avery Dennison, Choice Hotels International, Chrysler Group LLC, The Coca-Cola Company, The Coleman Company, Cox Communications, DuPont, Harman, Serta Sherwin-Williams, Shell Lubricants and The UPS Store. As a full-service, performance-driven agency, Doner focuses on creating ideas that change the destiny of brands through creativity.

About MDC Partners Inc.

MDC Partners is one of the world's largest Business Transformation Organizations that utilizes technology, marketing communications, data analytics, insights and strategic consulting solutions to drive meaningful returns on Marketing and Communications Investments for multinational clients in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean.

MDC Partners' durable competitive advantage is to Empower the Most Talented Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders to Drive Business Success to new levels of Achievement, for both our Clients and our Shareholders, reinforcing MDC Partners' reputation as "The Place Where Great Talent Lives."

MDC Partners' Class A shares are publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "MDCA" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDZ.A".