Wendy's/Arby's to expand into Russia

Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc said on Tuesday it plans to open 180 dual-branded Wendy's and Arby's restaurants in Russia over the next ten years.

The company will open the restaurants with local franchisee, Wenrus Restaurant Group Ltd, an affiliate of Russia's Food Service Capital, which runs 28 restaurants in Russia, Ukraine and Britain, including Goodman Steak Houses.

Wendy's/Arby's Chief Executive Roland Smith said in a statement that Russia offers significant long-term expansion potential and said the company chose Wenrus because of its knowledge of Russia's foodservice market.

Wendy's/Arby's has about 10,000 restaurants in 24 countries.

(Reporting by Phil Wahba; Editing by Derek Caney)