MAM
NBC, Volkswagen sign worldwide strategic marketing deal
MUMBAI: NBC Universal and Volkswagen have entered a multi-year global marketing alliance. As part of the partnership, Universal will incorporate Volkswagen’s products and brand, in its film, DVD, worldwide theme parks, and other entertainment properties.
According to media reports, the deal will cost Volkswagen an estimated $200 million and the company will support numerous media and entertainment related properties of NBC Universal through international marketing and promotional efforts. Both companies plan to develop mutual marketing programs.
“This will represent one of the largest and most comprehensive alliances in the entertainment industry and prepares the ground for new ways of reaching consumers on a global scale. Product placement and the movie industry are a growing factor in car promotion and Universal Studios is the most consistently successful movie studio in recent history. With their theme parks and their huge television section with NBC and other attractive TV stations, NBC Universal offers a highly attractive platform to promote our products and brand, which no other studio can offer,” said Volkswagen CEO Dr Bernd Pischetsrieder.
Universal Studios President and Chief Operating Officer Ron Meyer, on the other hand said, “We are very proud to be in business with a creative and dynamic company such as Volkswagen. Our historic alliance underscores how important corporate partnerships have become in attracting consumers around the world, and I believe that together we are in a unique position to capitalise on many new opportunities in the marketplace.”
“We are pleased to welcome Volkswagen as a marquee, NBC Universal partner. The Volkswagen product line is stylised, design-driven and contemporary and the perfect demographic match for our entertainment properties,” said Universal Studios Partnerships executive vice president Stephanie Sperber.
For Volkswagen this cooperation offers a wide range of opportunities including product placement, Volkswagen’s presence at Universal’s film premieres and home entertainment releases, common global media-based promotional campaigns, and theme park sponsorship and integration.
The deal also calls for Volkswagen to explore original TV programming and on-air film-related promotions. The initial focus of activities will be on the US and European markets where Universal will have access to a wide range of Volkswagen products for all prices and age groups, with approximately 20 different models under the Volkswagen brand.
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.
