Wendy's to expand in the Philippines

Wendy's/Arby's Group signed a long-term agreement with Wenphil Corporation to significantly expand the presence of the Wendy's brand in the Philippines.

The new agreement with Wenphil, a Wendy's franchisee since 1983, calls for the development of 44 additional restaurants. That would increase the total number of Wendy's units in the country to 75. As part of the agreement, Wenphil will use sub-franchising to expand outside of metro Manila into other cities and regions in the Philippines. The nation's population, at about 100 million, is the world's 12th-largest.

Atlanta-based Wendy's/Arby's warned that Wendy's franchisees are independent third parties that the company does not control. "Numerous factors beyond the control of the company and its franchisees may affect new restaurant openings," the company said in a statement. "Accordingly, there can be no assurance that commitments under development agreements with franchisees will result in new restaurant openings."