TBILISI, Georgia – The Wendy’s company announced an agreement with The Wissol Group to develop restaurants in Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan over the next 10 years.

Wissol is Georgia’s largest business group. The company is expected to open the first Wendy’s in Tbilisi, Georgia in 2013.

“Georgia is a dynamic market with long-term growth potential for the Wendy’s brand, and it plays an important role in our continued expansion in Eastern Europe,” said Darrell van Ligten, president, International, The Wendy’s Company. “We’re privileged to have the opportunity to team with a strong, highly capable organization like The Wissol Group, which shares our passion for quality and exceptional customer service.”

Dr. Samson Pkhakadze, president, The Wissol Group said Wendy’s well-established global brand image and standardized business practices would attract Georgian consumers.

“We are also excited that, through Wendy’s, The Wissol Group, will bring additional jobs to our local economy,” Dr. Pkhakadze said. “After French oil giant TOTAL and Italian API, we expect Wendy’s to become one of the most important brands in our growing business portfolio.”