-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----
Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR
Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov
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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001181431-09-000935.txt : 20090105
<SEC-HEADER>0001181431-09-000935.hdr.sgml : 20090105
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20090105170458
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001181431-09-000935
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	4
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20090102
FILED AS OF DATE:		20090105
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20090105

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MESDAG WILLEM
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374566

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506349

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		C/O RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC.
		STREET 2:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067

ISSUER:		

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001084961
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	SHORT-TERM BUSINESS CREDIT INSTITUTIONS [6153]
		IRS NUMBER:				481090909
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		8875 AERO DRIVE, SUITE 200
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92123
		BUSINESS PHONE:		8007590327

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		8875 AERO DRIVE, SUITE 200
		CITY:			SAN DIEGO
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			92123

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	MCM CAPITAL GROUP INC
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19990430

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	MIDLAND CORP OF KANSAS
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19990423

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374602
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506348

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RMCP GP LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374606
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506346

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374607
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506344

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374588
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506345

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067

REPORTING-OWNER:	

	OWNER DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS III, L.P.
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001374600
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		4
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-26489
		FILM NUMBER:		09506347

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(310) 432-0207

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD SUITE 925
		CITY:			LOS ANGELES
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			90067
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>rrd227636.xml
<DESCRIPTION>FORM 4 FOR WILL MESDAG
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0303</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2009-01-02</periodOfReport>

    <notSubjectToSection16>0</notSubjectToSection16>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001084961</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>ECPG</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374566</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>MESDAG WILLEM</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>1</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374602</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374600</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS III, L.P.</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374606</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RMCP GP LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374588</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001374607</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>RED MOUNTAIN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>10100 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>SUITE 925</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LOS ANGELES</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>CA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>90067</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>0</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>0</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>748009</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Through RMCP II</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>2687053</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Through RMCP III</value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2009-01-02</value>
                <footnoteId id="F3"/>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>A</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>3607</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>16159</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">These shares are held directly by Red Mountain Capital Partners II, L.P. (&quot;RMCP II&quot;).</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">These shares are held directly by Red Mountain Capital Partners III, L.P. (&quot;RMCP III&quot;).</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">On January 2, 2009, Encore Capital Group, Inc. (&quot;Encore&quot;) issued 3,607 deferred issuance restricted stock units (&quot;RSUs&quot;) to Willem Mesdag, under the Encore 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, in connection with his service as a member of Encore's board of directors.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">These shares are in the form of RSUs.  Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of Encore common stock.  3,450 of these RSUs will vest on August 23, 2009.  The remaining 12,709 of these RSUs are fully vested.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <remarks>This Form 4 is jointly filed by (i) RMCP II, (ii) RMCP III, (iii) RMCP GP LLC (&quot;RMCP GP&quot;), (iv) RMCP LLC, (v) Red Mountain Capital Management, Inc. (&quot;RMCM&quot;), and (vi) Mr. Mesdag.  RMCP GP is the general partner of each of RMCP II and RMCP III.  RMCP LLC is the managing member of RMCP GP.  RMCM is the managing member of RMCP LLC.  Mr. Mesdag is the president, sole executive officer, sole director and sole shareholder of RMCM.  Mr. Mesdag is also a director of Encore.  Each of Mr. Mesdag, RMCM, RMCP LLC and RMCP GP, by virtue of their direct or indirect control of RMCP II and RMCP III, may be deemed to beneficially own some or all of the securities reported as being held by RMCP II and RMCP III.  Each of the reporting persons hereunder disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported securities except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein.  In addition, RMCP II disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities held directly by RMCP III, and RMCP III disclaims bene
ficial ownership of any securities held directly by RMCP II.  This Form 4 shall not be deemed to be an admission that any reporting person hereunder is the beneficial owner of any of the reported securities for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or for any other purpose.</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Willem Mesdag (on behalf of himself and the Red Mountain Entities)</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-01-05</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----