MAM
Jyothy Labs-Henkel brings on board DDB Mudra Max and LMG
MUMBAI: Jyothy Laboratories has awarded the media planning mandate for the recently acquired Henkel portfolio to DDB Mudra Max following a multi-agency pitch. LMG has been awarded the media buying duties for the same.
The pitch saw participation from three of the firm’s roster agencies – DDB Mudra Max, OMD and LMG.
Before the takeover, DDB Mudra Max was in charge of media planning for Jyothy Laboratories and LMG handled its media buying responsibilities. Henkel’s media buying and planning was handled by OMD.
In view of this development, OMD’s responsibilities on the Henkel account have been split between DDB Mudra Max and LMG and it will no longer work on the account.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com DDB Mudra Max president and head media NP Sathyamurthy said, “We have a decade long association with Jyothy Labs and it was our team’s wisdom on the business combined with our ability to provide end-to-end media planning solutions that worked in our favour.”
The Mumbai office of DDB Mudra Max will be handling the account and Sathyamurthy will be in charge.
In totality, the account is estimated to be worth Rs 1.50 billion.
Last year Fabric whitener and detergent maker Jyothy Laboratories bought 51 per cent stake in Henkel AG‘s Indian arm for Rs 5.7 billion.
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.
