MAM
Unilever sells Sanex to Colgate-Palmolive for $940 million
MUMBAI: Unilever, the consumer goods firm that owns brands such as Dove, Lipton and Hellmann‘s, has entered into an agreement to sell the global soap maker Sanex to Colgate-Palmolive for $940 million while buying Colgate-Palmolive‘s laundry detergent brands in Colombia for $215 million.
European Commission asked Unilever to part from Sanex for anti-trust reasons after the Anglo-Dutch company acquired it when buying U.S. group Sara Lee‘s personal care business in 2009.
The acquisition of Colgate-Palmolive‘s laundry detergent brands is subject to regulatory approval and the completion of the Sanex disposal to Colgate-Palmolive.
In 2010, Sanex had garnered net sales of €187 million, mainly from Western Europe.
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.
