OMNICOM GROUP INC. | 2013 | FY | 3


Equity Method Investments

Income (loss) from our equity method investments was $15.9 million, $(15.0) million and $17.2 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively and our proportionate share in their net assets was $48.4 million and $69.1 million, at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our equity method investments are not material to our results of operations or financial position and therefore, summarized financial information is not required to be presented.

In 2013 and 2012 we recorded a net impairment charge of $10.7 million and $29.2 million, respectively, to reduce the carrying value of our equity investment in Egypt to fair value. The civil unrest in Egypt, which has continued in 2013 even after democratic elections in 2012, affected the financial condition and prospects of our equity investment and we determined that an other-than-temporary impairment had occurred. Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge in 2013 to reflect the reduction in value to our equity investment and record it at fair value at December 31, 2013. The measurement of fair value was based on significant unobservable estimates and assumptions (Level 3 inputs), including expected discounted cash flows. The estimates and assumptions included a weighted average cost of capital of 27% and 22% in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and an expected long-term growth rate of 5% for both years. The impairment charges are included in income (loss) from equity method investments in our income statement.

Effective February 1, 2011, we acquired a controlling interest in the Clemenger Group, our affiliate in Australia and New Zealand, increasing our equity ownership to 73.7% from 46.7%. In connection with this transaction we recorded a remeasurement gain of $123.4 million in 2011. Additionally, in 2011, we acquired a controlling interest in affiliates in India and Turkey increasing our equity ownership to 100% and 76%, respectively. In connection with these transactions, we recorded a remeasurement gain of $15.1 million.

The differences between the fair value of our shares at the acquisition dates and the carrying value of the investments prior to the acquisitions resulted in the remeasurement gains. The purchase prices were negotiated at fair value in arms-length transactions. In addition, we performed a valuation of the businesses and confirmed the fair values used to determine the remeasurement gains. We used the following valuation methodologies to confirm the fair values: the income approach which utilized discounted expected future cash flows, comparative market participant multiples of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and, when available, comparable transactions.

us-gaap:EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock