MAM
Colgate-Palmolive signs Sharapova as brand ambassador in US
MUMBAI: Wimbledon champ Maria Sharapova has been roped in by Colgate-Palmolive for their deodorant and body spray brands in the US. Sharapova will appear in all ads for the company’s deodorant and body spray.
Sharapova already appears in ads for Palmolive deodorant that are aired across Europe currently. In the US, she will represent the Lady Speed Stick brand. According to a media report, the deal will run through three years and is worth at least $2 million annually.
A media report said that Colgate-Palmolive felt that the 18-year-old’s beauty, grace and active lifestyle made her a perfect ambassador for Palmolive’s brand values of protection, reliability and confidence.
Sharapova was quoted as saying, “These products are such a part of both my personal and professional life — there’s such a natural connection for me. I’m looking forward to working with them for years to come.”
Ranked as the number two tennis player in the world, Sharapova, also represents brands such as Tag Heuer, Motorola, Nike and has also clinched a deal with Parlux Fragrances to make her own fragrance.
In the latest Nike campaign, she features along with fellow Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and the marathon runner Paula Radcliffe.
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.
