ATLANTA –Over the next decade, 135 dual-branded Wendy’s and Arby’s restaurants will be built in nine countries in the Middle East and North Africa under the terms of an agreement Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. has reached with Saudi Arabia-based Al Jammaz Group.

This is the first agreement with an international franchisee to build dual-branded restaurants since the formation of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group in September 2008. Developing dual-branded restaurants is an important component of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group’s long-term international strategy and growth plan.

Specialized Catering Services Est., a subsidiary of Al Jammaz Group with regional offices in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is scheduled to open the first of these restaurants in Saudi Arabia by early 2010.

"We are pleased to enter into a franchise relationship with Al Jammaz, a company that has the proven leadership, resources and food-service experience to grow our two quality brands throughout the Middle East and North Africa," said Roland Smith, president and chief executive officer, Wendy’s/Arby’s Group. "Dual branding will enable us to offer an exceptional range of high-quality menu choices from our two great brands under one roof."

Two Arby’s restaurants are already in the region, located in Dubai and Qatar, but are not part of the announced agreement with Al Jammaz.

"Earlier this year, we brought in Darrell van Ligten, senior vice president, Strategic Development, to lead our dual branding efforts and international," Mr. Smith said. "Darrell is working closely with International Division Senior Vice President Jim Hartenstein and his team and they are focused on disciplined expansion into selective new international markets."