Berjaya plans to open the first of these restaurants in Kuala Lumpur in late 2007 or early 2008 and will continue development in the Klang Valley region and other cities over the next 10 years. The new franchisee expects to open more than 70 Wendy's restaurants in Malaysia.

According to Dave Near, chief operations officer for Wendy's International, Berjaya and its chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan, have considerable experience in successfully operating several well-known restaurant brands. Berjaya, which has extensive experience in developing and managing quick service restaurants in Malaysia,operates the Starbucks and Kenny Rogers Roasters franchises there, as well as Borders Books stores.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya is a diversified, publicly traded company that is engaged in core businesses including hotels and resorts, food and beverage companies, financial services, consumer marketing and manufacturing, among others. The Wendy's agreement with the company is part of the restaurant chain's plan to focus development efforts in key markets outside of North America, according to James C. Hartenstein, a Wendy's SVP in international operations.