MAM
SPT Networks, Asia appoints Phar Partnerships as regional ad sales representative for ‘The Apprentice Asia’
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television’s networks, Asia has appointed media sales and sponsorship company Phar Partnerships to be the regional advertising sales representative for its next mega original production – the business based reality show The Apprentice Asia.
The company works in the sport, entertainment, media and travel arenas. As part of its international growth strategy, the company has set up offices in six cities over the last 20 months.
Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia executive VP Ricky Ow said, “We are pleased to have PHAR Partnerships on board, which gives us additional resources and focus to support a mega original production like The Apprentice Asia.”
Phar Partnerships CEO Marcus Wight said,“It has been a very rewarding year of working with AXN and Mark Burnett to achieve our goal of making The Apprentice Asia a reality. Our Chairman, Tony Fernandes, is fully committed to encouraging entrepreneurship and we are all confident that the Asian version of The Apprentice will be as big a success as it is in other parts of the world. We look forward to announcing several new sponsors over the coming weeks.”
Set to premiere on AXN across 20 countries in Asia in the first half of 2013, ‘The Apprentice Asia‘ will be hosted by aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes; with FremantleMedia Asia producing the Mark Burnett Productions format. The elimination competition format will pit Asia-based business executives against each other, for the lucrative opportunity to work for one of business magnate Fernandes’ businesses.
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.
