MAM
Havas Media wins integrated media duties of OYO
MUMBAI: Havas Media has bagged the integrated media duties of OYO, South Asia’s largest hotel chain with presence across India, China, Malaysia and Nepal.
The account will be handled out of the agency’s Gurgaon office led by Uday Mohan, managing partner for North and East India.
OYO’s expertise in managing chain of hotels backed by technological innovations and its unique business model makes it possible for it to offer high quality standardised experiences at unmatchable scale. Over the last five years, OYO has built distribution, operational and transformational, construction capabilities and its diverse portfolio includes OYO Rooms in the budget category with OYO Townhouse, OYO Home, SilverKey in the mid-market category and Palette Resorts in the leisure category.
OYO VP of conversions Burhanuddin Pithawala says, “We want our customers to have a hassle-free, technology-driven travel experience with quality living space at affordable pricing. Price point and quality are the two strong differentiators of OYO. With the launch of the brand and expansion into international markets, defining a brand positioning and a go-to-market plan is the need of the hour. We are confident that Havas Media with its integrated media approach and market expertise will take the brand to newer heights.”
Havas Media Group CEO for India and South Asia Anita Nayyar adds, “According to a research conducted by Havas Group, travel & hospitality ranks No 1 as the most meaningful category globally while in India it stands at No 10. OYO with its unique business model is using technology and talent to fix this socio-economic problem. It is among the few start-ups creating a global brand from India. We are very excited to be partnering with yet another innovative and entrepreneurial brand.”
“OYO is a pioneer brand in the hospitality space which thrives on technology & innovation. We proposed a unique city level micro-marketing approach leveraging advanced analytical techniques. Going forward, Havas’ Meaningful Brands framework, will be key in mapping the brand chart for OYO. According to the research, brands that are meaningful enjoy 60 per cent higher chance of purchase in the hospitality and travel industry. We look forward to a long and mutually fulfilling partnership with OYO,” mentions Havas Media Group, India managing director Mohit Joshi.
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.
