Brands
Imax & Vox Cinemas partner for three theaters in the Middle East
MUMBAI: Imax Corporation and Middle East exhibitor Vox Cinemas have inked an agreement for three Imax theatres to be added to Vox locations throughout the region.
Imax theatres will be added to existing complexes in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and in Beirut, Lebanon, marking Imax’s entry into that country. In addition, Imax’s next-generation digital laser projection system will be launched as part of a completely new development of their flagship Vox Cinema, located within the landmark Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, UAE.
“Moviegoers in the Middle East want only the best cinema technology and movie watching experiences when visiting our cinemas and Imax is a brand that is regarded as the best among our guests in the region. Our commitment to delivering a customer-focused cinema experience is a perfect fit with Imax’s cutting-edge technology and blockbuster film slate. As we continue to expand our circuit throughout the Middle East, Imax will serve as an anchor attraction that we are confident will be embraced by our guests,” said Vox Cinemas CEO Cameron Mitchell.
“Since 2001, we have grown from two Imax theatres in the Middle East to 15 theatres today and we expect our network growth to accelerate over the next few years. Today’s agreement builds on this momentum and is strategic on many fronts. Not only are we welcoming a new, world-class exhibitor to our business in the Middle East, entering a new market and signing our first laser commitment in the UAE, we are doing so with a partner whose growth plans in the region mirror our own. I believe our collective strengths will expand the reach of The Imax Experience throughout the Middle East and support our mutual growth efforts,” added Imax EMEA president Andrew Cripps.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
