MAM
Mullen Lintas is Gionee’s creative partner; targets 10 per cent market share in India
MUMBAI Gionee Mobiles has appointed Mullen Lintas as its creative partner to carry out its ambitious plan for a high decibel marketing initiative in Indian market. Gionee’s Mobiles is targeting a market share of 10 per cent in India this fiscal. It plans to achieve this growth by launching a host of new models in the coming weeks. At present, the market share of Gionee is around 5 per cent. Gionee will look to flood the market with its new offerings especially during the ongoing cricket season.
The mandate given to Mullen Lintas is to build and popularize the brand in a highly competitive smartphone market. As the custodian of the brand, the agency will handle the strategy, planning and the creative responsibilities of Gionee Mobiles. Initial work has already started on the launch of the new identity and should be out in the market soon.
Commenting on the development, Gionee’s Mobiles marketing head Nomit Joshi said, “We are very excited to have Mullen Lintas as our creative partner. We are looking forward to great partnership and are confident that together as a team we will take brand Gionee to the next level of growth.”
On winning the new mandate, Mullen Lintas CEO Virat Tandon said, “The team at Mullen Lintas has immense category experience and has built mobile brands in the past. We see a great opportunity for Gionee in the Indian market as it is appropriately placed to be the next big player in the category. We are aligned to the ambitions of the brand and are excited about this relationship. We are happy to partner with them and are hopeful of a long & a fruitful association.”
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.
