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<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>Registration No.
333-_______</B> </FONT> </P>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION </FONT><BR><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Washington, D.C. 20549 </FONT></H1>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>FORM S-8 <BR>REGISTRATION STATEMENT

<BR>UNDER <BR>THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933 </FONT></H1>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.<BR>(Exact Name of
Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </FONT></H1>
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     <TD WIDTH=70% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=30% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;48-1090909</B></FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(State or Other Jurisdiction</B></FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(I.R.S. Employer</B></FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;of Incorporation or Organization)</B> </FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>Identification No.)</B> </FONT></TD></TR>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>5775 Roscoe Court, San
Diego, California 92123</B> <BR><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;(Address of Principal
Executive Office) (Zip Code)</B> </FONT> </H1>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP,
INC. 1999 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN <BR>(Full Title of the
Plan) </FONT></H1>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Carl C. Gregory, III <BR>President and Chief
Executive Officer <BR>ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC. <BR>5775 Roscoe Court <BR>San Diego, California
92123 <BR>(Name and Address of
Agent for Service) </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(877) 445-4581<BR>(Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent For Service) </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>With copy to:<BR>Steven D. Pidgeon<BR>Snell &amp; Wilmer L.L.P. <BR>
One Arizona Center <BR>Phoenix, Arizona 85004 <BR>(602) 382-6000 </FONT></H1>

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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>CALCULATION OF
REGISTRATION FEE </FONT></H1>

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     <TH align=left COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Title Of Securities<BR>
To Be Registered</FONT><HR WIDTH=100% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Amount To Be<BR>
Registered(1)</FONT><HR WIDTH=100% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Offering<BR>
Price per Share(2)</FONT><HR WIDTH=100% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN=3><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Aggregate Offering<BR>
Price(2)</FONT><HR WIDTH=100% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TH>
     <TH COLSPAN=3 align=left><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amount Of<BR>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registration<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fee</FONT><HR WIDTH=100% SIZE=1 COLOR=BLACK NOSHADE></TH></TR>
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     <TD WIDTH=14% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Common Stock,<BR> $0.01 par value</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=1% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=1% ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=14% ALIGN=center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>1,300,000</FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH=4% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=1% ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=14% ALIGN=cenTer><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>     $7.30</FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH=3% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=1% ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=14% ALIGN=cenTer><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> $9,490,000</FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH=4% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH=1% ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD><TD WIDTH=14% ALIGN=cenTer><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2> $767.74</FONT></TD>
        <TD WIDTH=11% ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD><TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD><TD ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2></FONT></TD>
        <TD ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
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               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(1) </FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=90%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
               In the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction involving
               the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock, in order to prevent dilution, the number of
               shares registered shall be automatically increased to cover the additional
               shares in accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933. </FONT></TD>
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               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>(2) </FONT></TD>
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               Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration
               fee, pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, on the
               basis of the last reported sale of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock on June 4,
               2003. </FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
Registration Statement also relates to the Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-36182
of MCM Capital Group, Inc. (which changed its name to Encore Capital Group, Inc. on April
2, 2002), filed on May 3, 2000, and the Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-97297 of
Encore Capital Group, Inc. filed on July 30, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction E to Form S-8. Under such Registration
Statements the Registrant registered an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares of common stock for
issuance under the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan. This
Registration Statement reflects the further amendment to the 1999 Equity Participation
Plan increasing the number of shares authorized to be issued thereunder from 1,300,000
shares to 2,600,000 shares. </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Item
8. Exhibits. </FONT></P>



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     <TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><U>Description</U> </FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.1</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect<BR>
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the<BR>
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of MCM Capital Group, Inc. filed on June 14,<BR>
1999 ("Amendment No. 2") and Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of MCM Capital Group, Inc.<BR>
filed on April 4, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.2</FONT></TD>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the<BR>
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.3</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, as amended and<BR>
restated (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy<BR>
statement dated October 4, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.4</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Form of Option Agreement under Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity<BR>
Participation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No.2).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> 5  </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>Opinion of Snell &amp; Wilmer L.L.P. (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR> 23.1</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>23.2 </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> 23.3 </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Consent of Snell &amp; Wilmer  L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>  24   </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Power of Attorney (filed herewith).</FONT> </TD></TR>
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<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>SIGNATURES </FONT></H1>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8
and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on
this 6th day of June, 2003. </FONT></P>
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     <TD WIDTH="24%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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     <TD WIDTH="54%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.,<BR>a Delaware corporation</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Carl C. Gregory, III</FONT><HR width=45% SIZE=1 NOSHADE></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">Carl C. Gregory, III</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
     <TD ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">President and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD></TR>
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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>




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     <TD WIDTH="34%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>Name and Signature</U> </FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>Title</U> </FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>Date</U> </FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Carl C. Gregory, III</U><BR>
Carl. C. Gregory, III </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>President, Chief Executive Officer and<BR>
Director (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
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     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Barry R. Barkley</U><BR>
Barry R. Barkley </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Executive Vice President and Chief Financial<BR>
Officer (Principal Accounting and <BR>Financial
Officer)</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Eric D. Kogan*</U><BR>Eric D. Kogan </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Chairman of the Board of Directors  </FONT>  </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Peter W. May*</U><BR> Peter W. May </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR> Director     </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>Robert M. Whyte </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>Director   </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June ___, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Raymond Fleming*</U><BR>Raymond Fleming </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>  Director    </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Richard A. Mandell*</U><BR> Richard A. Mandell </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>  Director       </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Alexander Lemond*</U><BR>Alexander Lemond </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>  Director        </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>Neville J. Katz </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Director  </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> June ___, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Nelson Peltz* </U><BR>Nelson Peltz </FONT> </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>  Director    </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>June 6, 2003</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>* /s/ Carl C. Gregory, III</U> </FONT>  </TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Flush Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>As attorney-in-fact pursuant to power
of attorney dated on or about June 3, 2003 </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER PAGE="sheet: 3; page: 3" -->

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>3
 </FONT></P>
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<A NAME=A031></A>
<H1 ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>EXHIBIT INDEX </FONT></H1>

<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0">
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <TH><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="1"></FONT></TH>
     <TH><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="1"></FONT></TH>
     <TH><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="1"></FONT></TH></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD WIDTH="15%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><U>Exhibit Number</U></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><U>Description</U> </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.1</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect<BR>
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the<BR>
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of MCM Capital Group, Inc. filed on June 14,<BR>
1999 ("Amendment No. 2") and Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of MCM Capital Group, Inc.<BR>
filed on April 4, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.2</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the<BR>
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.3</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, as amended and<BR>
restated (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy<BR>
statement dated October 4, 2002).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>4.4</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Form of Option Agreement under Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity<BR>
Participation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No.2).
</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> 5  </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>Opinion of Snell &amp; Wilmer L.L.P. (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR> 23.1</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>23.2 </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> <BR>Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> 23.3 </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Consent of Snell &amp; Wilmer  L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>  24   </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>Power of Attorney (filed herewith).</FONT> </TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>4
 </FONT></P>
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>
<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR"  -->
<A NAME=A032></A>
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibit 5 </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>June 4, 2003  </FONT></P>




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<A NAME=A033></A>
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Securities and Exchange
Commission <BR>450 Fifth Street, N.W. <BR>Washington, D.C. 20549 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A035></A>
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Re: Encore Capital Group,
Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A036></A>
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Ladies and Gentlemen: </FONT></P>

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<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have acted as counsel to Encore Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
&#147;Company&#148;), in connection with its Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
&#147;Registration Statement&#148;) filed under the Securities Act of 1933, relating to
the registration of 1,300,000 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value (the
&#147;Shares&#148;), issuable pursuant to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity
Participation Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;). </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
that connection, we have examined such documents, corporate records, and other instruments
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion, including the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company. Based upon the foregoing, we are of
the opinion that: </FONT></P>

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          <TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
               <TR VALIGN=TOP>
               <TD WIDTH=20%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>i. </FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
               The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation
               under the laws of the State of Delaware. </FONT></TD>
               </TR>
               </TABLE>
               <BR>

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          <TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
               <TR VALIGN=TOP>
               <TD WIDTH=20%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=5%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>ii. </FONT></TD>
               <TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>
               The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the Plan, will
               be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable. </FONT></TD>
               </TR>
               </TABLE>
               <BR>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent Lv 0-TNR"  -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=25%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Very
truly yours, </FONT>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>

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<TABLE WIDTH=100% CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0>
<TR VALIGN=TOP>
<TD WIDTH=25%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH=75%><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ SNELL
&amp; WILMER L.L.P. </FONT>
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<BR>





<!-- MARKER PAGE="sheet: 4; page: 4" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>5
 </FONT></P>
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>





<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A037></A>
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibit 23.1 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A038></A>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Consent of Independent
Auditors </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8)
pertaining to the 1999 Equity Participation Plan of Encore Capital Group, Inc. of our
report dated February 2, 2001 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Encore Capital Group, Inc. (formerly MCM Capital Group, Inc.) for the year ended December
31, 2000 included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A039></A>
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ Ernst &amp; Young LLP </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<A NAME=A040></A>
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Kansas City, Missouri
<BR>June 5, 2003 </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER PAGE="sheet: 5; page: 5" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>6
 </FONT></P>
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Major Center Bold-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A041></A>
<P ALIGN=Center><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>Exhibit 23.2</B> </FONT> </P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><B>Consent of Independent
Auditors</B> </FONT> </P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8
pertaining to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, of our report
dated February 18, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Encore
Capital Group, Inc., included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2002. </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A043></A>
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
<BR>BDO Seidman, LLP </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Left-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<A NAME=A044></A>
<P ALIGN=LEFT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Costa Mesa, California
<BR>June 5, 2003 </FONT></P>


<!-- MARKER PAGE="sheet: 6; page: 6" -->
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>7
 </FONT></P>
<HR SIZE=5 COLOR=GRAY NOSHADE>


<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Right-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A045></A>
<P ALIGN=RIGHT><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>Exhibit 24 </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Head Minor Center-TNR" FSL="Project" -->
<A NAME=A046></A>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>POWER OF ATTORNEY </FONT></P>

<!-- MARKER FORMAT-SHEET="Para Large Indent Lv 0-TNR" FSL="Default" -->
<P><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and
appoints CARL C. GREGORY, III and BARRY R. BARKLEY, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him
in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 relating to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation
Plan, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof. </FONT></P>



<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0">
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
     <Td><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2">June 3, 2003 </FONT> </Td>
     <Td><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"> </FONT></Td>
     <Td><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><U>/s/ Eric D. Kogan </U><BR>Eric D. Kogan </FONT> </Td></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD WIDTH="15%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 3, 2003 </FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR> <U>/s/ Peter W. May</U><BR>Peter W. May </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 2, 2003</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Richard A. Mandell</U><BR>Richard A. Mandell </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June _, 2003</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>Robert M. Whyte </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 3, 2003     </FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Raymond Fleming</U><BR>Raymond Fleming </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 3, 2003</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Alexander Lemond</U><BR> Alexander Lemond </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June _, 2003</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR> Neville J. Katz </FONT></TD></TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR>June 3, 2003</FONT></TD>
     <TD><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
     <TD> <FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE="2"><BR><U>/s/ Nelson Peltz</U><BR>Nelson Peltz </FONT></TD></TR>

</TABLE>

<P ALIGN=CENTER><FONT FACE="Times New Roman, Times, Serif" SIZE=2>8
 </FONT></P>

</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "form-s8_060603.htm", "description": "FORM S-8 JUNE03", "secsgml_size_bytes": 42730}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC", "cik": "0001084961", "assigned-sic": "6153", "irs-number": "481090909", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-105937", "film-number": "03736352"}, "business-address": {"street1": "5775 ROSECOE COURT", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92123", "phone": "8007590327"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "5775 ROSCOE COURT", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92123"}, "former-company": [{"former-conformed-name": "MCM CAPITAL GROUP INC", "date-changed": "19990430"}, {"former-conformed-name": "MIDLAND CORP OF KANSAS", "date-changed": "19990423"}]}
Form S8
Registration No.
333-_______
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of
Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
48-1090909
(State or Other Jurisdiction
(I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)
5775 Roscoe Court, San
Diego, California 92123
(Address of Principal
Executive Office) (Zip Code)
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP,
INC. 1999 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN
(Full Title of the
Plan)
Carl C. Gregory, III
President and Chief
Executive Officer
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
5775 Roscoe Court
San Diego, California
92123
(Name and Address of
Agent for Service)
(877) 445-4581
(Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
With copy to:
Steven D. Pidgeon
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
One Arizona Center
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 382-6000
CALCULATION OF
REGISTRATION FEE
Title Of Securities
To Be Registered
Amount To Be
Registered(1)
Proposed Maximum
Offering
Price per Share(2)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(2)
Amount Of
Registration
Fee
Common Stock,
$0.01 par value
1,300,000
$7.30
$9,490,000
$767.74
(1)
In the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction involving
               the Registrant's Common Stock, in order to prevent dilution, the number of
               shares registered shall be automatically increased to cover the additional
               shares in accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration
               fee, pursuant to Rules 457(c) and 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, on the
               basis of the last reported sale of the Registrant's Common Stock on June 4,
               2003.
This
Registration Statement also relates to the Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-36182
of MCM Capital Group, Inc. (which changed its name to Encore Capital Group, Inc. on April
2, 2002), filed on May 3, 2000, and the Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-97297 of
Encore Capital Group, Inc. filed on July 30, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction E to Form S-8. Under such Registration
Statements the Registrant registered an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares of common stock for
issuance under the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan. This
Registration Statement reflects the further amendment to the 1999 Equity Participation
Plan increasing the number of shares authorized to be issued thereunder from 1,300,000
shares to 2,600,000 shares.
Item
8. Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
Description
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of MCM Capital Group, Inc. filed on June 14,
1999 ("Amendment No. 2") and Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of MCM Capital Group, Inc.
filed on April 4, 2002).
4.2
By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2002).
4.3
Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, as amended and
restated (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy
statement dated October 4, 2002).
4.4
Form of Option Agreement under Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity
Participation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No.2).
5
Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith).
23.2
Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP (filed herewith).
23.3
Consent of Snell & Wilmer  L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).
24
Power of Attorney (filed herewith).
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8
and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, State of California, on
this 6th day of June, 2003.
ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
By:    /s/ Carl C. Gregory, III
Carl C. Gregory, III
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Name and Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Carl C. Gregory, III
Carl. C. Gregory, III
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
June 6, 2003
/s/ Barry R. Barkley
Barry R. Barkley
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Accounting and
Financial
Officer)
June 6, 2003
/s/ Eric D. Kogan*
Eric D. Kogan
Chairman of the Board of Directors
June 6, 2003
/s/ Peter W. May*
Peter W. May
Director
June 6, 2003
Robert M. Whyte
Director
June ___, 2003
/s/ Raymond Fleming*
Raymond Fleming
Director
June 6, 2003
/s/ Richard A. Mandell*
Richard A. Mandell
Director
June 6, 2003
/s/ Alexander Lemond*
Alexander Lemond
Director
June 6, 2003
Neville J. Katz
Director
June ___, 2003
/s/ Nelson Peltz*
Nelson Peltz
Director
June 6, 2003
* /s/ Carl C. Gregory, III
As attorney-in-fact pursuant to power
of attorney dated on or about June 3, 2003
3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Description
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as currently in effect
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of MCM Capital Group, Inc. filed on June 14,
1999 ("Amendment No. 2") and Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K of MCM Capital Group, Inc.
filed on April 4, 2002).
4.2
By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2002).
4.3
Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, as amended and
restated (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's proxy
statement dated October 4, 2002).
4.4
Form of Option Agreement under Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity
Participation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No.2).
5
Opinion of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith).
23.2
Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP (filed herewith).
23.3
Consent of Snell & Wilmer  L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5).
24
Power of Attorney (filed herewith).
4
Exhibit 5
June 4, 2003
Securities and Exchange
Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re: Encore Capital Group,
Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We
have acted as counsel to Encore Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), in connection with its Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") filed under the Securities Act of 1933, relating to
the registration of 1,300,000 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value (the
"Shares"), issuable pursuant to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity
Participation Plan (the "Plan").
In
that connection, we have examined such documents, corporate records, and other instruments
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion, including the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company. Based upon the foregoing, we are of
the opinion that:
i.
The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation
               under the laws of the State of Delaware.
ii.
The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the terms of the Plan, will
               be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable.
We
hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
Very
truly yours,
/s/ SNELL
& WILMER L.L.P.
5
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent
Auditors
We
consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8)
pertaining to the 1999 Equity Participation Plan of Encore Capital Group, Inc. of our
report dated February 2, 2001 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Encore Capital Group, Inc. (formerly MCM Capital Group, Inc.) for the year ended December
31, 2000 included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
June 5, 2003
6
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent
Auditors
We
consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8
pertaining to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation Plan, of our report
dated February 18, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Encore
Capital Group, Inc., included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2002.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
BDO Seidman, LLP
Costa Mesa, California
June 5, 2003
7
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and
appoints CARL C. GREGORY, III and BARRY R. BARKLEY, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him
in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 relating to the Encore Capital Group, Inc. 1999 Equity Participation
Plan, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done in and about the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
June 3, 2003
/s/ Eric D. Kogan
Eric D. Kogan
June 3, 2003
/s/ Peter W. May
Peter W. May
June 2, 2003
/s/ Richard A. Mandell
Richard A. Mandell
June _, 2003
Robert M. Whyte
June 3, 2003
/s/ Raymond Fleming
Raymond Fleming
June 3, 2003
/s/ Alexander Lemond
Alexander Lemond
June _, 2003
Neville J. Katz
June 3, 2003
/s/ Nelson Peltz
Nelson Peltz
8