MAM
MEC APAC named most competitive agency in pitches
MUMBAI: MEC, a leading media agency, has been named the most competitive agency in APAC according to the latest annual Compitches Report from the Research Company Evaluating the Media Agency Industry (RECMA).
The 2013 compitches report evaluates the media agencies’ success in winning new business pitches taking into account client budgets, contenders and degree of involvement in global/regional pitches. Not only is MEC Apac ranked best overall performing agency in the region, but the media agency is also awarded A grades for competitiveness in Singapore, Australia and China.
The ranking reflects MEC’s success in retaining key clients following competitive reviews; including Mitsubishi in Australia, as well as winning significant new businesses for the region such as Sony Electronics, Tiger Airways and GE.
MEC Apac CEO Stephen Li said, “The days of just price comparison are gone and clients today are looking for an agency that can help them embrace the digital possibilities of a changing marketplace. This is especially true of the fast growing Apac region. That MEC comes out as the region’s most competitive agency is a testimony to our amazing teams around the region and our ability to deliver genuine growth for our clients.”
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.
