Alghanim Industries and The Wendy's Company have signed a deal aimed at expanding the Wendy’s brand in the Middle East.

The Master Franchise Agreement reinforces Alghanim Industries' strategy to partner with international food and beverage franchises and build on the company's previous successful acquisition of Costa Coffee (Kuwait) in 2013, said a statement.

Alghanim acquired the rights to develop Wendy's restaurants across the Middle East North Africa (Mena) region from Alamar Foods, a Saudi Arabia-based company owned jointly by Al Jammaz Group and the Carlyle Group.

The value of the deal remains undisclosed.

Alghanim has acquired all operational outlets in the UAE with plans to open additional stores across Mena over the next 10 years.

Part of the expansion in the region includes opening stores in Alghanim home market, Kuwait, which has among the highest consumption of fast food per capita in the Mena region.

Kutayba Yusuf Alghanim, chairman, said: ”Alghanim Industries has a strong track-record of developing successful businesses with huge growth potential that meet the needs of the region's expanding consumer base.

"We remain committed to continued growth, by introducing leading food and beverage offerings, and enhancing the consumer experience in this attractive sector."

Wendy's joins Alghanim’s portfolio of leading global brands, including American Express, British Petroleum, Colgate-Palmolive, General Motors, Honda, Mars, Mondelez, Philips, Toshiba, Hitachi, and Whirlpool.

Established in 1969, Wendy's has been widely recognised for its hamburgers with square beef patties.

The restaurant chain also is known for its  Frosty dessert, along with an array of signature menu options including premium chicken sandwiches and salads.

Omar Kutayba Alghanim, chief executive officer, said: ”We are excited to expand and develop the world's third-largest quick-service hamburger company in our region. The Wendy's Company has a demonstrated track-record of leadership through product innovation that has contributed to its fast-paced growth.

"Our presence in 40 countries, across multiple industries equips us with the reach and the know-how to develop Wendy's in the MENA region successfully. When it comes to exceeding customer expectations Alghanim Industries and Wendy's share the same philosophy - we do not compromise."

Darrell van Ligten, president, International, The Wendy’s Company, said: ”We are thrilled to partner with an outstanding organisation like Alghanim Industries to accelerate the growth of the Wendy's brand in the important Mena region.

"Alghanim Industries' leadership, resources and experience with leading consumer focused brands will be a tremendous asset as we work to build Wendy's presence in key markets around the world." - TradeArabia News Service