MAM
Havas Media wins HolidayIQ’s Rs 30 crore media mandate
MUMBAI: Havas Media Group India has won the integrated media mandate of HolidayIQ.com in a multi-agency pitch. The duties will include traditional, digital and mobile solutions.
The estimated size of the business is upwards of Rs 30 crore.
The portal enables travellers to discover, plan holidays and share holiday experiences. HolidayIQ.com provides customised, relevant, information and insight son – places, hotels, sightseeing and transport to customers.
HolidayIQ founder and CEO Hari Nair said, “We believe in the science of holidays and Havas Media delivered an impressive scientific, strategic approach to the business, which was in sync with our objectives. Young, professional and passionate we look forward to working with this Havas Media team.”
HolidayIQ.com CMO Diptakirti Chaudhuri added, “The recommendations from Havas Media had a good balance of data and content. Their deep understanding of the category and their thought leadership made them win this mandate.”
Havas Media Group-India and South Asia CEO Anita Nayyar said, “It is a great win for us. HolidayIQ is a very meaningful brand in an extremely engaging category. Havas also has an entrepreneurial DNA, which allows us to understand the challenges and objectives of these clients better. Bangalore is an important market for us and we are seriously investing time and talent in expanding our operations here.”
Havas Media Group India managing director Mohit Joshi added, “We are glad that our focused efforts and strategy towards acquiring the integrated media mandates of new age businesses is paying off. Our compelling value proposition is a clear winner in the market. We look forward to a great association.”
The win comes on the back of Havas winning the integrated media business of BlueStone.com. Both these businesses will be handled by Havas Media office in Bangalore.
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.
