MAM
Leo Burnett, Delhi, wins Aerens Gold Souk account
NEW DELHI: Leo Burnett Delhi has announced that it has bagged the Aerens Gold Souk account.
An official release informs that the agency won the account in a competitive multi-agency pitch. The other agencies in the fray were O&M, Lowe, Contract, Capital, Percept and Mudra. This is Leo Burnett Delhi’s fifth new business win in the last four months, following the acquisition of Atlas Cycles, National Geographic Channel, Zee News and a project on energy sharing across South Asia.
Aerens Gold Souk president GS Pillai said, “We chose Leo Burnett Delhi over the other agencies for several reasons. Our decision was based on Leo Burnett’s understanding and grasp of the concept of the souk, the way they developed the strategic direction, and finally the sincerity, commitment and interest shown by each member of the Leo Burnett team.”
Leo Burnett Delhi’s vice president Ali Imran added, “We are very excited about being given the opportunity to work with Aerens Gold Souk. The gold souk is a revolutionary concept and will definitely be a landmark in Indian retail. It is both a privilege and a challenge to be a part of the brand-building process, and we are looking forward to working with the client and making it a success.”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â 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.
