MAM
Weber Shandwick takes full ownership of India operation
NEW DELHI: Weber Shandwick, part of the Interpublic Group, has reached an agreement with majority equity holder MAA Group Holdings to up the firm’s previous 40 per cent equity share of multi-award winning agency Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick (CVWS), to 100 per cent. CVWS has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata.
MAA Group Holdings Chairman Bunty Peerbhoy will continue in his role as chairman of CVWS. Atul Ahluwalia and Dilip Yadav also will continue in their roles as president and executive vice president, respectively. Ahluwalia will report directly to Tim Sutton, chairman Weber Shandwick Asia Pacific.
CVWS‘ campaigns have been recognised three times by Cannes PR Lion Silver awards. The team was named 2011 India Consultancy of the Year by The Holmes Report, and has been honoured at the prestigious APAC SABRE Awards three out of the past four years.
Weber Shandwick CEO Andy Polansky said, “I am delighted to welcome CVWS into full membership of the wider Weber Shandwick family. For the past 16 years, Weber Shandwick and CVWS have built a close relationship that has benefitted clients across industry sectors. We have always considered Bunty Peerbhoy to be a valuable partner and supporter of building important capabilities, and we are very pleased that he will continue to serve as our chairman in India.We see great growth potential for the business in the years ahead.”
Bunty Peerbhoy, commented: “We have always believed in a deep long-term relationship with Weber Shandwick. Both parties have always been hugely committed to each other and it is that trust and friendship which makes this feel like such a right and natural step.I am delighted to be able to continue supporting both the business and our wonderful staff who make our business so special.”
Weber Shandwick’s network spans 73 owned offices in 31 countries and affiliates and partners that expand the network to 126 offices in 81 countries. Weber Shandwick operates in virtually every major media, government and business center on six continents.
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.
