1. We have audited the accompanying standalone financialstatements of Brainbees Solutions Limited ('theCompany’), which comprise the Standalone BalanceSheet as at 31 March 2025, the Standalone Statementof Profit and Loss (including Other ComprehensiveIncome), the Standalone Statement of Cash Flow andthe Standalone Statement of Changes in Equity for theyear then ended, and notes to the standalone financialstatements, including material accounting policyinformation and other explanatory information.
2. In our opinion and to the best of our information andaccording to the explanations given to us, the aforesaidstandalone financial statements give the informationrequired by the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act’) inthe manner so required and give a true and fair viewin conformity with the Indian Accounting Standards('Ind AS’) specified under section 133 of the Act readwith the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards)Rules, 2015 and other accounting principles generallyaccepted in India, of the state of affairs of the Companyas at 31 March 2025, and its profit (including othercomprehensive income), its cash flows and thechanges in equity for the year ended on that date.
3. We conducted our audit in accordance with theStandards on Auditing specified under section 143(10)of the Act. Our responsibilities under those standardsare further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilitiesfor the Audit of the Standalone Financial Statementssection of our report. We are independent of theCompany in accordance with the Code of Ethics issuedby the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ('ICAI’)together with the ethical requirements that are relevantto our audit of the standalone financial statementsunder the provisions of the Act and the rules thereunder,and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilitiesin accordance with these requirements and the Codeof Ethics. We believe that the audit evidence we haveobtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basisfor our opinion.
4. Key audit matters are those matters that, in ourprofessional judgment were of most significance inour audit of the standalone financial statements ofthe current period. These matters were addressedin the context of our audit of the standalone financialstatements as a whole, and in forming our opinionthereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion onthese matters.
5. We have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our audit report.
Key audit matters
How our audit addressed the key audit matters
Revenue recognition
Refer note 3(h) of the Standalone Financial Statementsfor material accounting policy information on revenuerecognition and note 25 for the details of revenuerecognised during the year.
The Company’s generates revenue from sale of tradedgoods and finished goods through a large number ofGroup owned retail outlets, franchisee outlets, andwholesale business across the country which comprisesof high volume of transactions.
Our audit procedures in relation to revenue recognition included,
but was not limited to, the following procedures:
• Assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policy forrevenue recognition in accordance with Ind AS 115.
• Evaluated the design and implementation of key financialcontrols and tested their operating effectiveness withrespect to revenue recognition process. This evaluationincludes test of IT general controls and key applicationcontrols over the IT system which impact revenuerecognition.
• Tested the operating effectiveness of IT dependent manualcontrols.
• Tested the sale transactions on a sample basis, byexamining the underlying documents such as sales invoice,customer contracts, shipping/dispatch documents alongwith proof of delivery and agreeing them with the cash /credit card / online receipts.
The Company recognises the revenue from customers
• Evaluated the Company’s policy for returns and performed
in accordance with Ind AS 115 Revenue from Contracts
an analysis of trend for sales return in case of business and
with Customers ('Ind AS 115’) when the performance
tested appropriateness of the provision for sales return as
obligation is satisfied, which is determined to be at a
at the year-end.
point in time when the customer obtains control of thegoods in accordance with the terms of contracts with
• Performed cut-off procedures, on sample basis forthe period before and after the year end by testing the
the customers. Also, recognition of revenue requires
underlying documents and ensured that the revenue is
determination of the net selling price after considering
recognised in the correct period.
forecast of sales returns and discounts. The estimate ofsales returns and discounts depends on the Company’s
• Tested manual journal entries impacting revenue including
return policy, contract terms, forecast of sales volumes
credit notes, claims etc., selected on a risk- based criteria
and past history of quantum of return.
by inspecting supporting documents and understanding
There is a risk of inappropriate revenue recognition forsales conducted through retail outlets on a cash- and-carry
business rationale, where necessary.
• For sales made to franchisee partners, we performed
basis due to high volume and frequency of transactions.
substantive testing on selected samples of revenue
Revenue is determined to be an area involving significant
transactions by inspecting relevant underlying documents
risk in line with the requirements of the Standards on
including sales invoices and contracts with franchisees in
Auditing and hence, requiring significant auditor attention.
order to ensure revenue is booked with correct amount and
In view of the above complexities involved and considering
only upon satisfaction of performance obligation basis theterms of such contracts.
the volume of transactions and significance of the amountinvolved, revenue recognition is determined as a key audit
• Performed analytical review procedures on revenue
matter for current year audit.
recognized during the year to identify any unusual and/
Impairment assessment of investment in subsidiaries:
or material variances such as data analytics and trendanalysis.
Refer note 3(a) of material accounting policy information
• Performed confirmation procedures on selected balances
and note 8 of the standalone financial statements of theCompany for the year ended 31 March 2025 for financial
outstanding as at the year end.
disclosures.
Ensured the adequacy and appropriateness of disclosures
As at 31 March 2025, the Company has made investments
made in the standalone financial statements in accordance withthe requirements of Ind AS 115.
in subsidiaries amounting to Rs. 24,778.77 million whichare carried at cost less impairment.
Our audit procedures relating to testing of impairment of
The recoverability of the aforesaid amounts are dependenton the operational performance of subsidiaries includingits step- down subsidiaries.
Investment in Subsidiaries included but were not limited to thefollowing:
• Obtained an understanding from the management with
The management reviews annually, whether the
respect to process and controls implemented by theCompany to identify impairment indicators and determine
impairment indicators exist in the carrying value of
recoverability of the amounts from its subsidiaries including
investments in accordance with the requirements of Ind
testing of such controls;
AS 36, Impairment of Assets (Ind AS 36). If the recoverableamount is less than its carrying amount, the impairment
• Assessed the appropriateness of the accounting policy
loss is accounted for in the statement of profit and loss.
adopted by the management in accordance with Ind AS 36.
Management has considered losses incurred by thesesubsidiaries as an indicator for impairment assessment.Considering the existence of the impairment indicators inthe current year, management has therefore performedimpairment assessment by determining the recoverableamount of the investments in these subsidiaries usingthe value in use method and comparing the same withthe carrying value. Where the carrying value exceeds therecoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized.
The management has determined the value in useusing the discounted cash flow method with the help ofmanagement’s external valuation experts which requiredmanagement to make significant estimates, judgementsand assumptions relating to forecast of future revenue,operating margins, growth rate and selection of thediscount rates.
Considering the materiality of the above matter to thestandalone financial statements, complexities andjudgement involved in the calculation of recoverable valueand significant auditor attention required to test suchmanagement’s judgement, we have determined this as akey audit matter for current year audit.
• Assessed the professional competence and objectivity ofthe external valuation expert engaged by the managementfor performing the required valuations to estimate therecoverable value of the amounts receivable from thesubsidiaries;
• Involved auditors’ valuation experts for review of thevaluation methodology including appropriateness ofvaluation assumptions used by the management’s expertincluding independent assessment of certain assumptionsunderlying the cash flow projections, discount rate, terminalvalue etc;
• Traced the future cash flow projections to approvedbusiness plans of the subsidiaries including step downsubsidiaries by their management and evaluated thereasonableness of the inputs used in the projectionsby comparing past projections with actual results, andconsidering our understanding of the business and marketconditions, as relevant;
• Evaluated sensitivity analysis performed by themanagement and further performed independentsensitivity analysis on these key assumptions to determineestimation uncertainty involved and impact on conclusionsdrawn basis headroom available; and
• Evaluated the appropriateness and adequacy of disclosuresmade in the standalone financial statements in accordancewith the applicable accounting standards.
6. The Company’s Board of Directors are responsible forthe other information. The other information comprisesthe information included in the Annual Report, but doesnot include the standalone financial statements and ourauditor’s report thereon. The Annual Report is expectedto be made available to us after the date of this auditor’sreport.
Our opinion on the standalone financial statementsdoes not cover the other information and we will notexpress any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the standalone financialstatements, our responsibility is to read the otherinformation identified above when it becomes availableand, in doing so, consider whether the other informationis materially inconsistent with the standalone financialstatements or our knowledge obtained in the audit orotherwise appears to be materially misstated.
When we read the Annual Report, if we concludethat there is a material misstatement therein, we arerequired to communicate the matter to those chargedwith governance.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT AND THOSECHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE FOR THE STANDALONEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
7. The accompanying standalone financial statementshavebeenapprovedby the Company’s Board ofDirectors.The Company’s Board of Directors are responsible forthe matters stated in section 134(5) of the Act withrespect to the preparation and presentation of thesestandalone financial statements that give a true andfair view of the financial position, financial performanceincluding other comprehensive income, changes inequity and cash flows of the Company in accordancewith the Ind AS specified under section 133 of the Actand other accounting principles generally accepted inIndia. This responsibility also includes maintenance ofadequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of the Act for safeguarding of the assets ofthe Company and for preventing and detecting fraudsand other irregularities; selection and application ofappropriate accounting policies; making judgments andestimates that are reasonable and prudent; and design,implementation and maintenance of adequate internalfinancial controls, that were operating effectivelyfor ensuring the accuracy and completeness of theaccounting records, relevant to the preparation andpresentation of the financial statements that give a trueand fair view and are free from material misstatement,whether due to fraud or error.
8. In preparing the standalone financial statements, theBoard of Directors is responsible for assessing theCompany’s ability to continue as a going concern,disclosing, as applicable, matters related to goingconcern and using the going concern basis ofaccounting unless the Board of Directors either intendsto liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or hasno realistic alternative but to do so.
9. The Board of Directors is also responsible for overseeingthe Company’s financial reporting process.
10. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuranceabout whether the standalone financial statements asa whole are free from material misstatement, whetherdue to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s reportthat includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance isa high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee thatan audit conducted in accordance with Standards onAuditing will always detect a material misstatementwhen it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud orerror and are considered material if, individually or inthe aggregate, they could reasonably be expected toinfluence the economic decisions of users taken on thebasis of these standalone financial statements.
11. As part of an audit in accordance with Standards onAuditing, specified under section 143(10) of the Actwe exercise professional judgment and maintainprofessional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
• Identify and assess the risks of materialmisstatement of the standalone financialstatements, whether due to fraud or error, designand perform audit procedures responsive to thoserisks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficientand appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.The risk of not detecting a material misstatementresulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting
from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery,intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or theoverride of internal control;
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevantto the audit in order to design audit proceduresthat are appropriate in the circumstances. Undersection 143(3)(i) of the Act we are also responsiblefor expressing our opinion on whether theCompany has adequate internal financial controlswith reference to financial statements in place andthe operating effectiveness of such controls;
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accountingpolicies used and the reasonableness ofaccounting estimates and related disclosuresmade by management;
• Conclude on the appropriateness of Board ofDirectors’ use of the going concern basis ofaccounting and, based on the audit evidenceobtained, whether a material uncertainty existsrelated to events or conditions that may castsignificant doubt on the Company’s ability tocontinue as a going concern. If we conclude thata material uncertainty exists, we are requiredto draw attention in our auditor’s report to therelated disclosures in the standalone financialstatements or, if such disclosures are inadequate,to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are basedon the audit evidence obtained up to the date ofour auditor’s report. However, future events orconditions may cause the Company to cease tocontinue as a going concern; and
• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure andcontent of the standalone financial statements,including the disclosures, and whether thestandalone financial statements represent theunderlying transactions and events in a mannerthat achieves fair presentation.
12. We communicate with those charged with governanceregarding, among other matters, the planned scopeand timing of the audit and significant audit findings,including any significant deficiencies in internal controlthat we identify during our audit.
13. We also provide those charged with governance witha statement that we have complied with relevantethical requirements regarding independence, and tocommunicate with them all relationships and othermatters that may reasonably be thought to bear onour independence, and where applicable, relatedsafeguards.
14. From the matters communicated with those chargedwith governance, we determine those matters thatwere of most significance in the audit of the standalonefinancial statements of the current period and aretherefore the key audit matters. We describe thesematters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulationprecludes public disclosure about the matter or when,in extremely rare circumstances, we determine thata matter should not be communicated in our reportbecause the adverse consequences of doing so wouldreasonably be expected to outweigh the public interestbenefits of such communication.
15. As required by section 197(16) of the Act, based on ouraudit, we report that the Company has paid remunerationto its directors during the year in accordance with theprovisions of and limits laid down under section 197read with Schedule V to the Act.
16. As required by the Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order,2020 ('the Order’) issued by the Central Government ofIndia in terms of section 143(11) of the Act we give inthe Annexure B a statement on the matters specified inparagraphs 3 and 4 of the Order, to the extent applicable.
17. Further to our comments in Annexure B, as required bysection 143(3) of the Act based on our audit, we report,to the extent applicable, that:
a) We have sought and obtained all the informationand explanations which to the best of ourknowledge and belief were necessary for thepurpose of our audit of the accompanyingstandalone financial statements;
b) Except for the possible effects of the matter statedin paragraph 17(h)(vi) below on reporting underRule 11(g) of the Companies (Audit and Auditors)Rules, 2014 (as amended), in our opinion, properbooks of account as required by law have beenkept by the Company so far as it appears from ourexamination of those books;
c) The standalone financial statements dealt withby this report are in agreement with the books ofaccount;
d) In our opinion, the aforesaid standalone financialstatements comply with Ind AS specified undersection 133 of the Act;
e) On the basis of the written representationsreceived from the directors and taken on recordby the Board of Directors, none of the directors
is disqualified as on 31 March 2025 from beingappointed as a director in terms of section 164(2)of the Act;
f) The qualification relating to the maintenance ofaccounts and other matters connected therewithare as stated in paragraph 17(b) above on reportingunder section 143(3)(b) of the Act and paragraph17(h)(vi) below on reporting under Rule 11(g) ofthe Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014(as amended);
g) With respect to the adequacy of the internalfinancial controls with reference to financialstatements of the Company as on 31 March 2025and the operating effectiveness of such controls,refer to our separate report in Annexure A whereinwe have expressed an unmodified opinion; and
h) With respect to the other matters to be included inthe Auditor’s Report in accordance with rule 11 ofthe Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014(as amended), in our opinion and to the best ofour information and according to the explanationsgiven to us:
i. The Company, as detailed in note 36 tothe standalone financial statements, hasdisclosed the impact of pending litigationson its financial position as at 31 March 2025;
ii. The Company did not have any long-termcontracts including derivative contracts forwhich there were any material foreseeablelosses as at 31 March 2025;
iii. There were no amounts which were requiredto be transferred to the Investor Educationand Protection Fund by the Company duringthe year ended 31 March 2025;
iv. a. The management has represented
that, to the best of its knowledge andbelief, as disclosed in note 51(g) to thestandalone financial statements, nofunds have been advanced or loaned orinvested either from borrowed funds orsecurities premium or any other sourcesor kind of funds by the Company to orin any persons or entities, includingforeign entities ('the intermediaries’),with the understanding, whetherrecorded in writing or otherwise, that theintermediary shall, whether, directly orindirectly lend or invest in other personsor entities identified in any manner
whatsoever by or on behalf of theCompany ('the Ultimate Beneficiaries’)or provide any guarantee, security or thelike on behalf the Ultimate Beneficiaries;
b. The management has represented that,to the best of its knowledge and belief, asdisclosed in note 51(h) to the standalonefinancial statements, no funds havebeen received by the Company from anypersons or entities, including foreignentities ('the Funding Parties’), with theunderstanding, whether recorded inwriting or otherwise, that the Companyshall, whether directly or indirectly, lendor invest in other persons or entitiesidentified in any manner whatsoeverby or on behalf of the Funding Party('Ultimate Beneficiaries’) or provide anyguarantee, security or the like on behalfof the Ultimate Beneficiaries; and
c. Based on such audit proceduresperformed as considered reasonableand appropriate in the circumstances,nothing has come to our notice thathas caused us to believe that themanagement representations undersub-clauses (a) and (b) above containany material misstatement.
v. The Company has not declared or paid anydividend during the year ended 31 March2025.
vi. As stated in Note 50 to the financialstatements and based on our examination,which included test checks, the Company, inrespect of financial year commencing on orafter 1 April 2024, has used an accountingsoftware for maintaining its books ofaccount which has a feature of recordingaudit trail (edit log) facility. However, theaudit trail feature in the accounting softwareused for maintenance of accounting recordswas not enabled up to 12 June 2024 and thesame did not operate throughout the yearfor all relevant transactions recorded in thesoftware. During the course of our audit, wedid not come across any instance of audittrail feature being tampered with for theperiod where audit trail is enabled. Further,the audit trail has been preserved by theCompany as per the statutory requirementsfor record retention.
Chartered AccountantsFirm’s Registration No.: 001076N/N500013
Sd/-
Shashi Tadwalkar
Partner
Membership No.: 101797UDIN: 25101797BMMAKW9989
Place: PuneDate: 26 May 2025