pre14a_040209.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No.   )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
 
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
 
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
 
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
 
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
 
[ ] Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
 
Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc.
Name of the Registrant as Specified In Its Charter
 
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
[X] No fee required.
 
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1.     Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
........................................................................................
2.     Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
........................................................................................
3.     Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
........................................................................................
4.     Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
........................................................................................
5.     Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1.     Amount Previously Paid:
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2.     Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
........................................................................................
3.     Filing Party:
........................................................................................
4.     Date Filed:
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WENDY’S/ARBY’S GROUP, INC.
 
1155 Perimeter Center West
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
(678) 514-4100
 
April 14, 2009
 
Dear Stockholders:
 
It is my pleasure to invite you to join me at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc., which will be held at 11:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at the W New York, 541 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022. The Board of Directors and management hope that you will be able to attend in person.
 
At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote on the election of twelve (12) directors, several proposals to amend the Company’s certificate of incorporation, a proposal to re-approve the performance goal bonus awards portion of the Company's 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, and a proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants. The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each of these proposals.
 
The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement follow. It is important that your shares be represented and voted, regardless of the size of your holdings. Accordingly, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please promptly complete and return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope, or submit your proxy by telephone or by Internet as described in the instructions included with your proxy card. If you attend the Annual Meeting and wish to vote your shares in person, you may revoke your proxy.
 
Sincerely,
 
     
     
   
Roland C. Smith
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 



 
WENDY’S/ARBY’S GROUP, INC.
NOTICE OF 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be Held on Thursday, May 28, 2009
11:00 a.m., Local Time
     
 
 
 
The 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., local time, at the W New York, 541 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, for the following purposes:
 
 
(1)
to elect twelve directors to hold office until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders;
 
 
(2)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Company’s certificate of incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) to refer to “Class A Common Stock” as “Common Stock” and make other conforming changes;
 
 
(3)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to provide that, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the alternate presiding chairman at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders would be, in order, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or a person designated by a majority of the Board of Directors;
 
 
(4)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to change the advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations;
 
 
(5)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to provide that directors may be removed only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the Company’s capital stock;
 
 
(6)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to repeal Article VI thereof, which imposes super-majority stockholder approval requirements for certain business combination transactions between the Company and an interested stockholder;
 
(A copy of the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation described above is set forth in Annex A to this Proxy Statement, with deletions indicated by strikeout and additions indicated by underline.  For more details about the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, see Proposals 2-6 in the Proxy Statement.)
 
 
(7)
to re-approve the Performance Goal Bonus Awards portion of the Company's 1999 Executive Bonus Plan;
 
 
(8)
to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for 2009; and
 
 
(9)
to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
Stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof are holders of record of the Company’s Class A Common Stock at the close of business on March 31, 2009. All such stockholders of record are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Admission to the Annual Meeting will be by ticket only and packages and bags may be inspected and required to be checked in at the registration desk. You also will be required to present identification containing a photograph. If you are a registered stockholder (your shares are held in your name) and plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please check the appropriate box on the proxy card and retain the top portion of your proxy card, which serves as your admission ticket. If you are a beneficial owner (your shares are held by a bank, broker or other holder of record) and you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, your admission ticket is either your notice regarding the availability of proxy materials or the top portion of your voting instruction form, whichever you have received. The Proxy Statement also includes information on how to obtain a ticket from the Company. Stockholders who do not obtain tickets in advance may obtain them upon verification of ownership at the registration desk on the day of the Annual Meeting.
 
 
By Order of the Board of Directors
   
   
 
Nils H. Okeson
 
Secretary
 
April 14, 2009
 
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to be held on May 28, 2009:
the proxy statement and the annual report are available at www.wendysarbys.com.

 
 
Your vote is important! Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend, please promptly complete and return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope, or submit your proxy by telephone or by Internet as described in the instructions included with your proxy card. You may nevertheless vote in person if you attend the meeting.
 
 
 


 
WENDY’S/ARBY’S GROUP, INC.
1155 Perimeter Center West
Atlanta, Georgia 30338
(678) 514-4100
     
 
 
PROXY STATEMENT
     
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc. (“Wendy’s/Arby’s” or the “Company”) in connection with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”), to be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., local time, at the W New York, 541 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Proxy Statement and a proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on April 16, 2009. The mailing address of the Company’s principal executive office is 1155 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, Georgia 30338.
 
When a proxy is returned properly dated and signed, the shares represented thereby will be voted by the persons named as proxies in accordance with each stockholder’s directions. Stockholders may specify their choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy. If a proxy is dated, signed and returned without specifying choices, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors FOR the election of each of the twelve nominees for director named below and FOR Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The Company does not have cumulative voting. Under the Company’s By-Laws (the “By-Laws”), business transacted at the Annual Meeting is confined to the purposes stated in the Notice of the Annual Meeting. The proxy being solicited does, however, convey discretionary authority to the persons named therein as proxies to vote on matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting. The proxy may be revoked by the stockholder at any time prior to the time it is voted by giving notice of such revocation either personally or in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the address provided above.
 
Only holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.10 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), at the close of business on March 31, 2009, their authorized representatives and guests of the Company will be able to attend the Annual Meeting. For your comfort and security, admission to the Annual Meeting will be by ticket only. If you are a registered stockholder (your shares are held in your name) and plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please check the appropriate box on the enclosed proxy card. Your admission ticket can be detached from the bottom portion of the proxy card. If you are a beneficial owner (your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record) and plan to attend the Annual Meeting, your admission ticket is either your notice regarding the availability of proxy materials or the top portion of your voting instruction form, whichever you have received. In addition, you can obtain an admission ticket in advance by writing to Corporate Secretary, Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc., 1155 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, Georgia 30338. Please be sure to enclose proof of ownership, such as a bank or brokerage account statement or a letter from the bank or broker verifying such ownership. Stockholders who do not obtain tickets in advance may obtain them upon verification of ownership at the registration desk on the day of the Annual Meeting.
 
Tickets may be issued to others at the discretion of the Company.


 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
 
Q:   Who is soliciting my proxy?
 
A:
Wendy’s/Arby’s Board of Directors, in connection with the Board’s solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting. Certain of our directors, officers and employees also may solicit proxies on the Board’s behalf by mail, telephone, email, fax or in person. We have hired Innisfree M&A Incorporated, 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10022, to assist in soliciting proxies from brokers, bank nominees and other stockholders. We will pay the costs and expenses of the solicitation. Our directors, officers and employees will not receive additional remuneration for soliciting proxies. We expect that we will pay Innisfree M&A Incorporated not more than $15,000, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, and also will reimburse banks, brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable costs and expenses to forward our proxy materials to the beneficial owners of our Class A Common Stock.
 
Q:
Why did I receive a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials rather than the printed proxy statement and annual report?
 
A:
As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we are making our proxy materials available electronically via the Internet on the Company’s website at www.wendysarbys.com. On April 17, 2009, we began mailing a notice to our stockholders containing information on how to access these materials and vote online. If you received that notice, then you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials unless you request it by following the instructions for requesting such materials contained on the notice. Adopting this process allows the company to reduce its overall costs and the environmental impact of printing and mailing these materials.
 
Q:    Who is entitled to vote?
 
A:
All holders of record of the Company’s Class A Common Stock at the close of business on March 31, 2009 are entitled to vote on all business transacted at the Annual Meeting.
 
Q:    What is the difference between a registered stockholder and a “street name” holder?
 
A:
If your shares are registered directly in your name with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, our stock transfer agent, you are considered a stockholder of record for those shares.
 
 
If your shares are held by a broker or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of the shares, and your shares are said to be held in “street name.” Your broker or other nominee does not have authority to vote your shares on Proposal 7 without instructions from you. Your broker or other nominee should have enclosed, or should provide, a notice regarding the availability of proxy materials or a voting instruction form for you to use in directing it how to vote your shares.
 
Q:    What should I do with these materials?
 
A:
Please carefully read and consider the information contained in this Proxy Statement, and then vote your shares as soon as possible to ensure that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting. You may vote your shares prior to the meeting even if you plan to attend the meeting in person.
 
Q:    How do I vote?
 
A:           You may vote before the Annual Meeting in one of the following ways:
 
 
·
Visit the website shown on your proxy card, notice of availability of proxy materials or voting instruction form to vote via the Internet;
 
 
·
Use the toll-free number shown on your proxy card or voting instruction form; or
 
 
·
Complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form in the enclosed postage-paid envelope if you have requested and received those items by mail..
 
You may also vote your shares in person at the meeting.
 
Q:
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or notice regarding the availability of proxy materials or voting instruction form?
 
A:
It means that you have multiple accounts at the transfer agent and/or with stockbrokers. Please follow the instructions set forth on each proxy card, notice or voting instruction form to ensure that all your shares are voted.

 
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Q:   What is the deadline for submitting a proxy?
 
A:
In order to be counted, proxies submitted by telephone or the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 27, 2009. Proxies submitted by mail must be received prior to the start of the Annual Meeting.
 
Q:
What constitutes a quorum?
 
A:
At the close of business on March 31, 2009, the Company had 469,258,779 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote per share. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes that all stockholders are entitled to cast will constitute a quorum. Broker “non-votes” and the shares as to which a stockholder abstains are included for purposes of determining whether a quorum of shares is present at the Annual Meeting.
 
Q:
What are abstentions and broker non-votes and how do they affect voting?
 
A:
Abstentions – If you specify on your proxy card that you “abstain” from voting on an item, your shares will be counted present and entitled to vote for purpose of establishing a quorum, but are not counted for purpose of determining the number of votes cast. Abstentions are not included in the tabulation of voting results on the election of directors (Proposal 1) or items requiring approval of a majority of the votes cast (Proposal 7), but will be the equivalent of an “against” vote on items that require the affirmative vote of a majority or super-majority of the total voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting shares, or the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power present. Therefore, abstentions will count as votes against Proposals 2-6 and 8.
 
 
Broker Non-Votes - Under New York Stock Exchange rules, if your shares are held in street name then your broker has discretion to vote your shares without instructions from you on certain “routine” items, including the election of directors, the amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation and the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. Your broker does not, however, have such discretion on non-routine items such as the re-approval of the performance goal bonus awards portion of the Company’s 1999 Executive Bonus Plan (Proposal 7). If you do not provide your broker with voting instructions for non-routine items, then the broker can not vote on those items and will report your shares as “non-votes” on those items. Like abstentions, broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for quorum purposes, but are not counted for purpose of determining the number of votes cast. Broker non-votes are not included in the tabulation of voting results on non-discretionary or items requiring approval of a majority of the votes cast such as Proposal 7, but would be the equivalent of an “against” vote on items that require the affirmative vote of a majority or super-majority of the total voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting shares.
 
Q:
What am I being asked to vote on?
 
A:           You are being asked to vote on the following eight proposals:
 
 
(1)
to elect twelve directors to hold office until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders (Item 1 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(2)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to refer to “Class A Common Stock” as “Common Stock” and make other conforming changes (Item 2 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(3)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to provide that, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the alternate presiding chairman at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders would be, in order, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or a person designated by a majority of the Board of Directors  (Item 3 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(4)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to change the advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations  (Item 4 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(5)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to provide that directors may be removed only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the Company’s capital stock  (Item 5 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(6)
to adopt an amendment and restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation to repeal Article VI thereof, which imposes super-majority stockholder approval requirements for certain business combination transactions between the Company and an interested stockholder  (Item 6 on the Company’s proxy card);
 
 
(7)
to re-approve the Performance Goal Bonus Awards portion of the Company's 1999 Executive Bonus Plan  (Item 7 on the Company’s proxy card);

 
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(8)
to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for 2009 (Item 8 on the Company’s proxy card); and
 
 
(9)
to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
Q:   What vote is needed to elect the nominees for director?
 
A:
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total voting power present in person or represented by proxy is required to elect the twelve nominees as directors.
 
Q:
Why is the Company proposing to amend and restate its Certificate of Incorporation?
 
A:
Wendy’s/Arby’s is restating its Certificate of Incorporation because its Certificate of Incorporation has been amended several times since its formation in 1994, and the numerous amendments without a restatement have made the Certificate of Incorporation cumbersome and difficult to navigate.  In connection with undertaking a restatement of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors formed a committee comprised solely of independent directors for the purpose of reviewing potential amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws.  Following the conclusion of its review process, the committee unanimously recommended the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation set forth in Annex A to this Proxy Statement to the Board of Directors and, following such recommendation, the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was unanimously approved and declared advisable by the Board of Directors.
 
 
The new amendments set forth in the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation are intended to make certain conforming changes, resolve certain inconsistencies and modernize and conform the Certificate of Incorporation to current practices of peer Delaware corporations. For a more complete discussion of the Company’s reasons for proposing each of the new amendments in the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation see Proposals 2-6 beginning on page [__].
 
 
The committee also unanimously recommended, and the board unanimously approved, an amendment and restatement of the Company’s By-Laws that would conform Article II, Section 11 of the By-Laws to Proposal 3 with respect to the determination of the person to preside as chairman of a meeting of the Wendy’s/Arby’s stockholders in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Wendy’s/Arby’s also intends to conform the indemnification provisions in its By-Laws to those contained in its Certificate of Incorporation.
 
Q:
What amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation are being proposed?
 
A:
Wendy’s/Arby’s is proposing to amend and restate its Certificate of Incorporation to give effect to the following amendments: (a) to refer to “Class A Common Stock” as “Common Stock” and make other conforming changes, (b) to provide that, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the alternate presiding chairman at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders would be, in order, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or a person designated by a majority of the Board of Directors, (c) to change the advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations, (d) to provide that directors may be removed only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the Wendy’s/Arby’s capital stock and (e) to repeal Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation, which imposes super-majority stockholder approval requirements for certain business combination transactions between Wendy’s/Arby’s and an interested stockholder.  In addition, the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation would incorporate into a unified document the amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation that have previously been adopted and become effective.
 
 
For a more complete discussion of the proposed amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation, see Proposals 2-6 beginning on page [__].
 
Q:
What votes are needed for the proposed Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be approved?
 
A:
The affirmative vote of a majority of the total voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof is required for approval of each of the following amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation: (a) to refer to “Class A Common Stock” as “Common Stock” and make other conforming changes, (b) to provide that, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the alternate presiding chairman at a meeting of the Company’s stockholders would be, in order, the Vice Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer or a person designated by a majority of the Board of Directors, (c) to change the advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations and (d) to provide that directors may be removed only by the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the voting power of the Wendy’s/Arby’s capital stock. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the total voting power of the outstanding voting shares of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof is required for approval of the repeal of Article VI of the Certificate of Incorporation, which imposes super-majority stockholder approval requirements for certain business combination transactions between Wendy’s/Arby’s and an interested stockholder.

 
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If you are a Wendy’s/Arby’s stockholder and you fail to respond with a vote or fail to instruct your broker or other nominee how to vote on the five proposals relating to the adoption of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, it will have the same effect as a vote against these proposals.
 
Q:
What vote is needed to re-approve the Performance Goal Bonus Awards portion of the Company's 1999 Executive Bonus Plan?
 
A:
The Treasury Regulations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on this item to approve it.
 
Q:
What vote is needed to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for 2009?
 
A:           The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power present (in person or by proxy) is required to approve this item.
 
Q:    What if I deliver my proxy or voting instruction card but do not indicate how I want to vote on the proposals?
 
A:
If you respond but do not indicate how you want to vote on the proposals, your proxy will be counted as a vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors FOR the election of each of the twelve (12) nominees for director and FOR Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
 
Q:    May I change my vote after I have delivered my proxy or voting instruction card?
 
A:
Yes. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting.
 
You may revoke your proxy by giving notice of revocation in writing, by accessing the Internet site stated on the form of proxy, by using the toll-free telephone number stated on the form of proxy, or by attending, and voting at, the Annual Meeting. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting alone will not revoke any proxy.
 
If your shares are held in an account at a broker or other nominee, you should contact your broker or other nominee to change your vote.
 
Q:    How do Messrs. Nelson Peltz and Peter W. May intend to vote?
 
A:
The Company has been informed that the 101,274,344 shares of Class A Common Stock beneficially owned as of the record date by Nelson Peltz and Peter W. May representing, in the aggregate, approximately 22% of votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting, will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors FOR the election of each of the twelve (12) nominees for director and FOR Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
 
Q:
Whom should I call with questions?
 
A:
Please call Innisfree M&A Incorporated, the Company’s proxy solicitor, at (877) 750-9498 with any questions about the Annual Meeting. Banks and brokers can call collect at (212) 750-5833.

 
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PROPOSAL 1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
(Item 1 on the Company’s Proxy Card)
 
Each of the twelve nominees, if elected, will hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her prior death, resignation or removal.
 
The persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote for the election of the nominees named below unless a Wendy’s/Arby’s stockholder directs otherwise. Each nominee has consented to be named and to continue to serve if elected. If any of the nominees become unavailable for election for any reason, the proxies will be voted for the other nominees and for any substitutes.
 
Nominees for Director
 
There are currently twelve directors on the Board of Directors.
 
It is recommended that the twelve nominees named below be elected as directors of the Company. All of the twelve nominees are presently serving as directors of the Company and all except Ms. Hill and Mr. Lewis were elected directors at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held on September 15, 2008.  Ms. Hill and Mr. Lewis were directors of Wendy’s International, Inc. (“Wendy’s”), and were appointed as directors of Wendy’s/Arby’s upon the Company’s merger with Wendy’s, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.  Each member of the Board of Directors serves until the next annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders and until such director’s successor is duly chosen and qualified or until his or her prior death, resignation or removal. The Company is unaware of any reason why any of the nominees named herein would be unwilling or unable to serve as a director. Should, however, any nominee for director be unwilling or unable to serve at the time of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons named in the proxy will vote for the election of such other person for such directorship as the Board of Directors may recommend as a substitute.
 
Certain information regarding each person nominated by the Board of Directors, including his or her principal occupation during the past five years and current directorships, is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, all nominees have had the indicated principal occupations for the past five years.
 
Name of Director
 
Business Experience During Past
Five Years, Age and Other Information
 
 
 
Nelson Peltz.....................................
 
Mr. Peltz has been a director of the Company since April 1993 and non-executive Chairman since June 2007. He also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as a director or manager and officer of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries from April 1993 through June 2007. Additionally, Mr. Peltz has been Chief Executive Officer and a founding partner of Trian Fund Management, L.P. (“Trian Partners”), a management company for various investment funds and accounts, since November 2005. Mr. Peltz has also been Chairman of the Board of Trian Acquisition I Corp. since its inception in October 2007. Trian Acquisition I Corp. is a publicly traded blank check company formed to effect a business combination. From its formation in January 1989 to April 1993, Mr. Peltz was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Trian Group, Limited Partnership (“Trian Group”), which provided investment banking and management services for entities controlled by Mr. Peltz and Mr. May. From 1983 to December 1988, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Triangle Industries, Inc. (“Triangle”), which, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, was, at that time, a manufacturer of packaging products, copper electrical wire and cable and steel conduit and currency and coin handling products. Mr. Peltz has also served as a director of H.J. Heinz Company since September 2006. Mr. Peltz is the father-in-law of Edward P. Garden. Mr. Peltz is 66 years of age.
 
 
Peter W. May...................................
 
Mr. May has been a director of the Company since April 1993 and has served as non-executive Vice Chairman since June 2007. He served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and also as a director or manager and officer of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries from April 1993 through June 2007. Additionally, Mr. May has been President and a founding partner of Trian Partners since November 2005. Mr. May has also been Vice Chairman and a Director of Trian Acquisition I Corp. since its inception in October 2007. From its formation in January 1989 to April 1993, Mr. May was President and Chief Operating Officer of Trian Group. He was President and Chief Operating Officer and a director of Triangle from 1983 until December 1988. Mr. May has also served as a director of Tiffany & Co. since May 2008 and of Deerfield Capital Corp. since December 2007. Mr. May is 66 years of age.

 
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Name of Director
 
Business Experience During Past
Five Years, Age and Other Information
 
 
 
Hugh L. Carey..................................
 
Mr. Carey has been a director of the Company since June 1994. He was an Executive Vice President of W.R. Grace & Co. (“Grace”) from 1987 through December 1995. From 1993 to December 1995, he served Grace as director of its Government Relations Division, and from 1987 until 1993, he ran Grace’s office of environmental policy. Mr. Carey was the Governor of the State of New York from 1975 until 1983 and a member of Congress from 1960 until 1975. From 1991 until 1993, he was Chairman of the National Institute of Former Governors. Mr. Carey is also a director of Chinatrust Bank (U.S.A.), and a partner of Harris Beach LLP, a law firm. Mr. Carey is 89 years of age.
 
 
Clive Chajet......................................
 
Mr. Chajet has been a director of the Company since June 1994. He has been Chairman of Chajet Consultancy, L.L.C., a consulting firm specializing in identity and image management, since January 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Chajet was Chairman of Lippincott & Margulies Inc., also a consulting firm specializing in identity and image management, from 1983 to January 1997. Mr. Chajet is 72 years of age.
 
 
Edward P. Garden............................
 
Mr. Garden has been a director of the Company since December 2004. He served as Vice Chairman from December 2004 through June 2007 and Executive Vice President from August 2003 until December 2004. Additionally, Mr. Garden has been Vice Chairman and a founding partner of Trian Partners since November 2005. Mr. Garden has also been President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Trian Acquisition I Corp. since its inception in October 2007. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Garden was a managing director of Credit Suisse First Boston, where he served as a senior investment banker in the Financial Sponsors Group. From 1994 to 1999, he was a managing director at BT Alex Brown where he was a senior member of the Financial Sponsors Group and, prior to that, co-head of Equity Capital Markets. Mr. Garden is the son-in-law of Nelson Peltz. Mr. Garden is 47 years of age.
 
 
Janet Hill...........................................
 
Ms. Hill has been a director of the Company since September 2008. She served as a director of Wendy’s from 1994 until its merger with a subsidiary of the Company in September 2008. Ms. Hill is currently Vice President of Alexander & Associates, Inc., a corporate consulting firm in Washington, D.C. She provides corporate planning, advice and analysis to directors, executives and managers in the areas of human resource planning, corporate responsibility, corporate communications and government consultation. Ms. Hill also serves as a director of Dean Foods Company and Sprint Nextel Corporation. Ms. Hill is 61 years of age.
 
 
Joseph A. Levato............................
 
Mr. Levato has been a director of the Company since June 1996. Mr. Levato served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from April 1993 to August 1996. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Trian from January 1992 to April 1993. From 1984 to December 1988, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Triangle. Mr. Levato is 68 years of age.
 
 
J. Randolph Lewis...........................
 
Mr. Lewis has been a director of the Company since September 2008. He served as a director of Wendy’s from 2004 until its merger with a subsidiary of the Company in September 2008. Mr. Lewis is Senior Vice President, Distribution and Logistics, Walgreen Co., Deerfield, Illinois. Walgreen Co. is the nation’s largest drugstore chain. Mr. Lewis joined Walgreen Co. in March, 1992 as Divisional Vice President, Logistics and Planning. He was promoted to his current position in 1999. Prior to joining Walgreen Co. he was a partner in the consulting division of Ernst & Young. Mr. Lewis is 59 years of age.
 
 
David E. Schwab II..........................
 
Mr. Schwab has been a director of the Company since October 1994. Mr. Schwab has been a Senior Counsel of Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman, P.C., a law firm, since January 1998. Prior to that time, he was a partner of Schwab Goldberg Price & Dannay, a law firm, for more than five years. Mr. Schwab also serves as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Executive Committee of Bard College. Mr. Schwab is 77 years of age.

 
7

 


Name of Director
 
Business Experience During Past
Five Years, Age and Other Information
 
 
 
Roland C. Smith...............................
 
Mr. Smith has been a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since June 2007, and he has also served as President of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of Wendy’s since September 2008. Mr. Smith served as the Chief Executive Officer of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“ARG”) from April 2006 to September 2008. Mr. Smith also served as President of ARG from April 2006 to June 2006. Mr. Smith served as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Golf Corporation and National Golf Properties from February 2003 to November 2005. Prior thereto, Mr. Smith served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc. from April 1999 to January 2003. Mr. Smith served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ARG’s predecessor, Arby’s, Inc., from February 1997 to April 1999. Mr. Smith also serves as a director of Carmike Cinemas, Inc. Mr. Smith is 54 years of age.
 
 
Raymond S. Troubh........................
 
Mr. Troubh has been a director of the Company since June 1994. He has been a financial consultant since prior to 1989. Mr. Troubh is a director of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., General American Investors Company and Gentiva Health Services, Inc. Mr. Troubh is 82 years of age.
 
 
Jack G. Wasserman.........................
 
Mr. Wasserman has been a director of the Company since March 2004. Mr. Wasserman has practiced law as a solo practitioner since September 2001. Prior to that time, he was a senior partner of Wasserman, Schneider, Babb & Reed (and its predecessors) from 1966 until September 2001. Mr. Wasserman serves as a director of Icahn Enterprises G.P., Inc., the general partner of Icahn Enterprises L.P., and Cadus Inc. Mr. Wasserman is 72 years of age.
 

 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
ELECTION OF THE TWELVE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR IN THIS PROPOSAL 1

 
8

 

 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the current executive officers of the Company, all of whom are U.S. citizens.
 
Name
   
Age
   
Positions
 
Roland C. Smith.......................................................................
54
Director; President and Chief Executive Officer
Stephen E. Hare.......................................................................
55
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
J. David Karam........................................................................
50
President, Wendy’s International, Inc.
Thomas A. Garrett..................................................................
47
President and Chief Executive Officer - Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc.
Sharron L. Barton....................................................................
57
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Nils H. Okeson........................................................................
43
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John D. Barker.........................................................................
46
Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
Steven B. Graham....................................................................
55
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
 
Set forth below is certain additional information concerning the persons listed above (other than Mr. Smith, for whom such information has been provided under “Nominees for Director,” above).
 
Stephen E. Hare has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September 2007. Mr. Hare also serves as Chief Financial Officer of ARG, a position he has held since June 2006, and as Chief Financial Officer of Wendy’s, a position he has held since December 2008.. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President of Cadmus Communications Corporation (“Cadmus”) and President of Publisher Services Group, a division of Cadmus, from January 2003 to June 2006. Prior thereto, Mr. Hare served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Cadmus from September 2001 to January 2003.
 
J. David Karam has served as President of Wendy’s since September 2008. From 1989 to September 2008, Mr. Karam served as the President of Cedar Enterprises, Inc., a 133-unit franchisee of Wendy’s that has operations in Las Vegas, San Antonio, Indianapolis, Seattle and Hartford. Mr. Karam served as Vice President of Finance for Cedar Enterprises, Inc. from 1986 to 1989. Prior to joining Cedar Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Karam was a Senior Auditor with Touche Ross & Company.
 
Thomas A. Garrett has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ARG since September 2008. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from September 2007 to September 2008. Mr. Garrett also served as President and Chief Operating Officer of ARG from June 2006 to September 2008. Mr. Garrett served as Chief Operating Officer of ARG following the Company’s acquisition of RTM Restaurant Group, Inc. (“RTM”) in July 2005 to June 2006. From June 2003 to July 2005, Mr. Garrett served as President of RTM, and from May 2000 to June 2003, he served as Chief Operating Officer of RTM.
 
Sharron L. Barton has served as Chief Administrative Officer of the Company since September 2008. She has also served as Chief Administrative Officer of ARG since July 2005. Prior thereto, she served as RTM’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer from June 2001 to July 2005. Ms. Barton began her career with RTM in 1977.
 
Nils H. Okeson has served as Senior Vice President and Secretary of the Company since September 2007. Mr. Okeson served as Associate General Counsel of the Company from September 2007 through December 2007, and he has served as General Counsel since then. Mr. Okeson also serves as General Counsel of ARG, a position he has held since October 2005, and as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Wendy’s, a position he has held since September 2008. Prior to joining ARG, he was a partner of Alston & Bird, LLP, a law firm he joined in 1990.
 
John D. Barker has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of the Company since September 2008. Mr. Barker previously served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Wendy’s, and joined Wendy’s in May 1996 as Vice President of Investor Relations. Mr. Barker was Manager of Investor Relations and Financial Communications for American Greetings Corp. in Cleveland from 1992 to 1996. He held positions as a business editor for The Plain Dealer newspaper in Cleveland, Business Editor for The Beaver County Times near Pittsburgh, and News Desk Editor for The Observer-Reporter in Washington, PA. Mr. Barker is a trustee of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
 
Steven B. Graham has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since September 2007. Mr. Graham also serves as Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller of ARG, a position he has held since January 2007, and as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Wendy’s, a position he has held since February 2009. From October 2006 through December 2006, he served as Vice President, Assistant Corporate Controller of ARG. Mr. Graham served as Corporate Controller at Princeton Review LLC from April 2004 to September 2006. Prior thereto, he served as Vice President—Controller of Sbarro, Inc. from January 2000 to March 2004 and as Controller of Sbarro, Inc. from April 1994 to January 2000.
 
The term of office of each executive officer is until the organizational meeting of the Board following the next annual meeting of Wendy’s/Arby’s stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her prior death, resignation or removal.

 
9

 

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
Independence of Directors
 
Under the New York Stock Exchange’s listing requirements, the Board of Directors must have a majority of directors who meet the criteria for independence required by the New York Stock Exchange. Pursuant to Wendy’s/Arby’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Corporate Governance Guidelines”), the Board is to determine whether each director satisfies the criteria for independence based on all of the relevant facts and circumstances. No director qualifies as independent unless the Board of Directors affirmatively determines that such director has no material relationship with the Company. In accordance with the New York Stock Exchange listing requirements and the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board of Directors has adopted categorical standards (“Independence Standards”) to assist it in determining the independence of Wendy’s/Arby’s directors. Pursuant to the Independence Standards, any relationship described below will be deemed to be material if:
 
 
the director is, or has been within the last three years, an employee of Wendy’s/Arby’s, or an immediate family member of the director is, or has been within the last three years, an executive officer of Wendy’s/Arby’s;
 
 
the director has received, or has an immediate family member who has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from Wendy’s/Arby’s as an executive officer, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided that such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service);
 
 
(i) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is Wendy’s/Arby’s internal or external auditor; (ii) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm; (iii) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on Wendy’s/Arby’s audit; or (iv) the director or an immediate family member of the director was within the last three years (but is no longer) a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on Wendy’s/Arby’s audit within that time;
 
 
the director or an immediate family member of the director is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of Wendy’s/Arby’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on the compensation committee of that company’s board of directors;
 
 
the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of the director is a current executive officer, of another company that has made payments to, or received payments from, Wendy’s/Arby’s for property or services in an amount that, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1.0 million or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues. Both the payments and the consolidated gross revenues to be measured will be those of such other company’s last completed fiscal year. Also, the three year “look-back” period referred to above applies only to the financial relationship between Wendy’s/Arby’s and the director’s or immediate family member’s current employer (i.e., former employment of the director or immediate family member need not be considered); or
 
 
the director, or an immediate family member of the director, is employed as an executive officer of a non-profit organization, foundation or university to which, within the last three years, Wendy’s/Arby’s has made discretionary contributions (excluding for this purpose matching funds paid by Wendy’s/Arby’s as a result of contributions by Wendy’s/Arby’s directors and employees) that, in any fiscal year of such non-profit organization, foundation or university, exceeded the greater of $1.0 million or 2% of such entity’s consolidated gross revenues.
 
The foregoing clauses are to be interpreted by the Board of Directors taking into account any commentary or other guidance provided by the New York Stock Exchange with respect to Section 303A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
 
The Independence Standards further provide that the relationship between Wendy’s/Arby’s and an entity for which a director serves solely as a non-management director is not material. The Independence Standards also provide that employment as an interim Chairman or CEO or other executive officer will not disqualify a director from being considered independent following that employment. In addition, any other relationship not described above will not be deemed material unless (i) the director would have thereby a “direct or indirect material interest” within the meaning of Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K and the material terms of the relationship were materially more favorable than those that would be offered at the time and in comparable circumstances to persons unaffiliated with Wendy’s/Arby’s or (ii) the Board of Directors, in exercising its judgment in light of all the facts and circumstances, determines that the relationship should be considered to be material and to affect the independence of the director in question. For purposes of the Independence Standards, the term “Company” includes any subsidiary in Wendy’s/Arby’s consolidated group.
 
In March 2009, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors considered and reviewed the various commercial and charitable transactions and relationships identified through directors’ responses to annual questionnaires that they are required to complete, as well as data collected by management and presented to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and to the Board of Directors related to transactions during the last three years between Wendy’s/Arby’s and a director, immediate family member of a director or business or charitable affiliate of a director. As a result of this review, the Board of

 
10

 

 
Directors determined that none of the identified transactions or relationships with Messrs. Carey, Chajet, Levato, Lewis, Schwab, Troubh and Wasserman, and Ms. Hill, was material and that each of such nominees is independent of Wendy’s/Arby’s. In making its independence determinations, the Board considered the following transactions that occurred during the last three years, each of which, as noted above, was deemed not to be material: for Mr. Chajet, contributions to a charity for which he or his spouse serves as a director; for Ms. Hill, payments for telecommunications services from Sprint Nextel Corporation, for which she serves as a director; and for Mr. Troubh, contributions to a charity for which his spouse serves as a director.
 
Board Meetings and Certain Committees of the Board
 
Thirteen meetings of the full Board of Directors were held during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008. Each incumbent director who served on the Board of Directors in 2008 and is a nominee for reelection, attended at least 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees, as applicable, in 2008. While the Company does not have a formal policy requiring them to do so, directors are expected to attend the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders. All persons then serving as directors attended the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
The Company has standing audit, nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees whose current functions and members are described below. As noted above, the Board of Directors has determined that each of the current members of such committees is independent as required by the New York Stock Exchange listing requirements. In addition, the Company has standing ERISA, capital and investment, corporate social responsibility and executive committees, the current functions and members of which are also described below. It is anticipated that at its first meeting following the Annual Meeting, the Board will designate the directors to serve on each of these committees until the next annual meeting of stockholders.
 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is composed of Messrs. Joseph A. Levato (Chairman), David E. Schwab II, Raymond S. Troubh and Jack G. Wasserman. The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to: (i) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting process, the Company’s systems of internal accounting and financial controls and other financial information provided by the Company; (ii) the performance of the internal audit function; (iii) the annual independent audit of the Company’s financial statements, the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm and the evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance; (iv) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements, including the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures; (v) the evaluation of risk assessment and risk management policies; and (vi) the fulfillment of the other responsibilities set out in its charter. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the committee members are “financially literate” and at least one member, Mr. Levato, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee met fifteen times during 2008. The formal report of the Audit Committee with respect to fiscal year 2008 begins on page ___.
 
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is composed of Messrs. Raymond S. Troubh (Chairman), Hugh L. Carey and David E. Schwab II, and Ms. Janet Hill. This committee is charged with the responsibility of: (i) identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors, consistent with any guidelines and criteria approved by the Board of Directors; (ii) considering and recommending director nominees for the Board to select in connection with each annual meeting of stockholders; (iii) considering and recommending nominees for election to fill any vacancies on the Board of Directors and to address related matters; (iv) developing and recommending to the Board of Directors corporate governance principles applicable to the Company; and (v) overseeing an annual evaluation of the Board of Directors’ and management’s performance.
 
The Board of Directors has adopted general criteria for nomination to the Board of Directors, which, as part of the Corporate Governance Guidelines, can be found on Wendy’s/Arby’s website at www.wendysarbys.com. The Board of Directors seeks members from diverse professional and personal backgrounds who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise with a reputation for integrity. The Board’s assessment of potential candidates includes consideration of diversity, age, educational background, other board experience and commitments, business and professional achievements, skills and experience in the context of the needs of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers suggestions from any source, including stockholders, regarding possible candidates for directors. Possible candidates who have been suggested by stockholders are evaluated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in the same manner as are other possible candidates.
 
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has adopted the following rules with respect to considering nominations by stockholders: (i) the nominating stockholder must have owned, for at least six months prior to the date the nomination is submitted, shares of Class A common stock or other classes of common or preferred stock, if any, entitled to vote for directors; (ii) the nomination must be received by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at least 120 days before the anniversary of the mailing date for proxy material mailed in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting; and (iii) a detailed statement setting forth the qualifications, as well as the written consent, of each party nominated must accompany each nomination submitted. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met once during 2008.

 
11

 

 
Compensation Committee and Performance Compensation Subcommittee. The Compensation Committee is composed of Messrs. David E. Schwab II (Chairman), Clive Chajet, Joseph A. Levato, J. Randolph Lewis and Jack G. Wasserman. The Compensation Committee is charged with discharging the responsibility of the Board of Directors relating to compensation of Wendy’s/Arby’s directors and executive officers, administering the Company’s Amended and Restated 1997 Equity Participation Plan (the “1997 Plan”), such other salary, compensation or incentive plans as the Compensation Committee is designated to administer, and related matters. The Compensation Committee met seven times during 2008, each time in a joint meeting with the Performance Compensation Subcommittee.
 
The Performance Compensation Subcommittee (the “Subcommittee” or the “Performance Committee”) is composed of Messrs. David E. Schwab II (Chairman), Clive Chajet, J. Randolph Lewis and Jack G. Wasserman. The Subcommittee was established in August 1997 to assume certain functions that were previously the responsibility of the Compensation Committee. The purpose of the Subcommittee is limited to administering Wendy’s/Arby’s compensation plans that are intended to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), including the Amended and Restated 1998 Equity Participation Plan (the “1998 Plan”), the Amended and Restated 2002 Equity Participation Plan, as amended (the “2002 Plan”), the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan (the “1999 Executive Bonus Plan” or the “1999 Plan”), certain Wendy’s legacy equity plans, such other salary, compensation or incentive plans as the Subcommittee is designated to administer, and related matters. The Subcommittee met ten times in 2008, including seven times in joint meetings with the Compensation Committee.
 
The processes and procedures that are employed in connection with the consideration and determination of the compensation of Wendy’s/Arby’s executives are discussed in the section below entitled, “Corporate Governance Matters - Activities of the Compensation Committee.”
 
Charters for the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the joint charter for the Compensation Committee and Performance Committee, as well as the Corporate Governance Guidelines and Wendy’s/Arby’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (including code of ethics provisions that apply to Wendy’s/Arby’s principal executive, financial and accounting officers) may be found under the Investor Relations section of Wendy’s/Arby’s website at www.wendysarbys.com and are also available in print, free of charge, to any stockholder who requests them.
 
ERISA Committee. The ERISA Committee is composed of Messrs. Hugh L. Carey (Chairman) and Joseph A. Levato. This committee has general oversight responsibility with respect to the operation of each pension, profit sharing, thrift or other retirement plan and each ERISA welfare benefit plan maintained by the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company that is at least 80% owned by the Company, excluding any plan of a subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States or a state or territory thereof and the plans of which are not subject to ERISA.
 
Capital and Investment Committee. In August 2007, in connection with a corporate restructuring, the Board formed a Capital and Investment Committee to be responsible for (i) approving the investment of excess funds (i.e., funds not currently required for operations or acquisitions) of Wendy’s/Arby’s and its direct and indirect subsidiaries and (ii) exercising approval authority for certain transactions (such as capital expenditures, acquisitions, dispositions and borrowings) within amounts specified by the Board. The Capital and Investment Committee is composed of Messrs. Nelson Peltz (Chairman), Peter W. May and Roland C. Smith.
 
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. In January 2008, the Board formed a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee with responsibility for reviewing and approving the charitable contributions to be made on behalf of Wendy’s/Arby’s (subject to the review and approval by the Audit Committee of any proposed charitable contribution that would constitute a related party transaction) and recommending to the Board such changes to the maximum amount of charitable contributions that may be made by Wendy’s/Arby’s in any fiscal year as such committee may deem appropriate. The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee is composed of Messrs. Nelson Peltz (Chairman), Peter W. May and Joseph A. Levato.
 
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is composed of Messrs. Nelson Peltz (Chairman), Hugh L. Carey, Clive Chajet and Peter W. May. During intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee has and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company including, without limitation, all such powers and authority as may be permitted under Section 141(c)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
Executive Sessions of the Board of Directors
 
The Board of Directors holds executive sessions whereby non-management directors meet in regularly scheduled sessions without any members of the Company’s management present. Mr. Nelson Peltz or, in his absence, Mr. Peter W. May, presides  over these sessions. In addition, the Board also meets at least once a year in executive session with only independent directors present. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee rotate presiding over these sessions.

 
12

 

 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires the Company’s directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s common stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% stockholders are required by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Forms 3, 4 and 5 they file.
 
Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms it has received, including amendments thereto, or written representations from certain reporting persons regarding Form 5s required for those persons, the Company believes that all its directors, executive officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to 2008, with three exceptions. During 2008 it was determined that the following were inadvertently filed late: (i) a Form 4 filed on January 30, 2008, reporting the issuance of shares to Russell V. Umphenour, Jr. (then a director of the Company) pursuant to the 2002 Plan in lieu of a retainer fee that would otherwise be payable in cash; (ii) a Form 4 filed on January 31, 2008, reporting the issuance of shares to Mr. Schwab pursuant to the 2002 Plan in lieu of a retainer fee that would otherwise be payable in cash; and (iii) a Form 4 filed on April 18, 2008, reporting forfeiture of unvested performance-based restricted stock resulting from elimination of a cumulative catch-up feature in a March 26, 2007 restricted stock award to Mr. Smith.
 
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
 
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership as of March 31, 2009 by each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock (constituting the only class of voting capital stock of the Company), each person that served as a director of the Company as of the date of this Proxy Statement and each nominee for director of the Company, each of the Company’s “named executive officers” (as defined in the Introduction to the Summary Compensation Table below) and all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to such shares.
 
Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
 
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
 
Percentage of Class
Beneficially Owned
             
Nelson Peltz.......................................................................
 
101,070,994
 
(1)(2)(3)(4)
 
21.5%
280 Park Avenue
           
New York, NY 10017
           
             
Peter W. May....................................................................
 
100,964,179
 
(1)(2)(3)(4)
 
21.5%
280 Park Avenue
           
New York, NY 10017
           
             
Edward P. Garden..............................................................
 
76,827,134
 
(3)(4)
 
16.4%
280 Park Avenue
           
New York, NY 10017
           
             
Trian Partners, L.P............................................................
 
76,623,145
 
(4)
 
16.3%
280 Park Avenue
           
New York, NY 10017
           
             
Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P...................
 
47,044,509
 
(5)
 
10.0%
888 Seventh Avenue, 42nd Floor
           
New York, NY 10019
           
             
Barclays Global Investors, NA.......................................
 
23,993,770
 
(6)
 
5.1%
45 Fremont Street, 17th Floor
           
San Francisco, CA 94105
           
             
Hugh L. Carey...................................................................
 
138,744
     
*
Clive Chajet........................................................................
 
125,422
 
(7)
 
*
Janet Hill.............................................................................
 
126,670
     
*
Joseph A. Levato..............................................................
 
114,905
     
*
J. Randolph Lewis.............................................................
 
95,225
 
(8)
 
*
David E. Schwab II...........................................................
 
181,710
     
*
Roland C. Smith.................................................................
 
521,742
 
(9)
 
*
Raymond S. Troubh.........................................................
 
168,000
     
*
Jack G. Wasserman...........................................................
 
89,000
     
*
Stephen E. Hare.................................................................
 
96,183
 
(10)
 
*
Thomas A. Garrett............................................................
 
1,250,661
 
(11)
 
*
Sharron L. Barton..............................................................
 
254,139
 
(12)
 
*
Nils H. Okeson..................................................................
 
78,207
 
(13)
 
*
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (19 persons)........................................................................
 
105,053,883
     
22.4%
_________
*    Less than 1%
 
13

 

(1)
Wendy’s/Arby’s is informed that: (i) Mr. Peltz has pledged 15,901,582 shares of Class A Common Stock to a financial institution to secure loans made to him; and (ii) Mr. May has pledged 8,220,114 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by him to a financial institution to secure loans made to him.
 
(2)
In July 2004, Messrs. Peltz and May entered into a voting agreement, pursuant to which Messrs. Peltz and May agreed not to vote certain shares of Class A Common Stock held by them or their affiliates without the prior approval of both parties. Accordingly, the information set forth in the table above with respect to Messrs. Peltz and May aggregates their respective ownership interests.
 
(3)
Includes (x) in the case of Mr. Peltz, (i) 70,650 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by a family limited partnership of which Mr. Peltz is a general partner, (ii) 600 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by Mr. Peltz’s minor children, (iii) 238,915 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Peltz Family Foundation and (iv) 76,623,145 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Trian entities identified in note (4) below; (y) in the case of Mr. May, (i) 203,350 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the May Family Foundation and (ii) 76,623,145 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by those Trian entities; and (z) in the case of Mr. Garden, 76,623,145 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by those Trian entities.  Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden, by virtue of their relationships to those Trian entities, may be deemed to have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with regard to, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own, the shares of Class A Common Stock owned by those Trian entities. Each of Messrs. Peltz, May, and Garden disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
 
(4)
The information set forth herein with respect to Trian Partners, L.P. (“Trian Onshore”), Trian Partners Master Fund, L.P. (“Trian Master Fund”), Trian Partners Parallel Fund I, L.P., (“Parallel Fund I”), Trian Partners Parallel Fund II, L.P. (“Parallel Fund II”), Trian Partners GP, L.P. (“Trian GP”), Trian Partners General Partner, LLC (“Trian GP LLC”), Trian Partners Parallel Fund I General Partner, LLC (“Parallel Fund I GP”), Trian Partners Parallel Fund II GP, L.P. (“Parallel Fund II GP”), Trian Partners Parallel Fund II General Partner, LLC (“Parallel Fund II LLC”), Trian Fund Management, L.P. (“Trian Management”), and Trian Fund Management GP, LLC (“Trian Management GP”) is based solely on information contained in a Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 1, 2009.  According to the Schedule 13D, Trian Onshore directly owns 19,578,427 shares of Class A Common Stock, Trian Master Fund directly owns 54,673,668 shares of Class A Common Stock, Parallel Fund I directly owns 1,919,315 shares of Class A Common Stock, Parallel Fund II directly owns 426,414 shares of Class A Common Stock and Trian GP directly owns 25,321 shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
 
Each of Trian Onshore, Trian Master Fund, Parallel Fund I, Parallel Fund II and Trian GP beneficially and directly owns and has sole voting power and sole dispositive power with regard to 19,578,427, 54,673,668, 1,919,315, 426,414 and 25,321 shares of Class A Common Stock, respectively, in each case except to the extent that other filing persons described in the Schedule 13D may be deemed to have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with regard to such shares.
 
 
Each of Trian GP, Trian GP LLC, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May, and Garden, by virtue of their relationships to Trian Onshore and Trian Master Fund, may be deemed to have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with regard to, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own, all of the shares of Class A Common Stock that Trian Onshore and Trian Master Fund directly and beneficially own.  Each of Trian GP, Trian GP LLC, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden, disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares for all other purposes.  Each of Parallel Fund I GP, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden, by virtue of their relationships to Parallel Fund I, may be deemed to have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with regard to, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own, all of the shares of Class A Common Stock that Parallel Fund I directly and beneficially owns.  Each of Parallel Fund I GP, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May, and Garden disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares for all other purposes.  Each of Parallel Fund II LLC, Parallel Fund II GP, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden, by virtue of their relationships to Parallel Fund II may be deemed to have shared voting power and shared dispositive power with regard to, and therefore may be deemed to beneficially own, all of the shares of Class A Common Stock that Parallel Fund II directly and beneficially owns.  Each of Parallel Fund II LLC, Parallel Fund II GP, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares for all other purposes.  Each of Trian GP LLC, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden, by virtue of their relationships with Trian GP, may be deemed to beneficially own, all of the shares of Class A Common Stock that Trian GP directly and beneficially owns.  Each of Trian GP LLC, Trian Management, Trian Management GP, and Messrs. Peltz, May and Garden disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares for all other purposes.
 
(5)
The information set forth herein with respect to Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. (“Pershing Square Capital”), PS Management GP, LLC (“PS Management”), Pershing Square GP, LLC (“Pershing Square GP”), and William A. Ackman (“Ackman”) is based solely on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2009. According to the Schedule 13G/A, (a) Pershing Square Capital serves as investment advisor to Pershing Square, L.P. (“Pershing Square”), Pershing Square II, L.P. (“Pershing Square II”), and Pershing Square International, Ltd. (“Pershing Square International”) with respect to Class A Common Stock directly owned by Pershing

 
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Square, Pershing Square II, and Pershing Square International.  Pershing Square Capital, its general partner, PS Management GP, LLC (“PS Management”), Pershing Square GP, LLC (“Pershing Square GP”), the general partner of each of Pershing Square and Pershing Square II, and Ackman, the managing member of each of PS Management and Pershing Square GP has shared voting and dispositive power over 47,044,509 shares of Class A Common Stock, and (b) Pershing Square GP has shared voting and dispositive power over 16,570,206 shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
(6)
The information set forth herein with respect to Barclays Global Investors, N.A. (“Barclays”), and certain other entities listed in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2009, is based solely on information contained in such Schedule 13G. According to the Schedule 13G, Barclays has sole voting power over 8,475,193 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 9,764,051 shares of Class A Common Stock; Barclays Global Fund Advisors has sole voting power over 11,015,417 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 13,376,057 shares of Class A Common Stock; and Barclays Global Investors, Ltd. has sole voting power over 568,449 shares of Class A Common Stock and sole dispositive power over 853,662 shares of Class A Common Stock.
 
(7)
Includes 3,900 shares of Wendy’s/Arby’s Class A common owned by Mr. Chajet’s wife, as to which shares Mr. Chajet disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(8)
Includes 11,050 shares of Wendy’s/Arby’s Class A Common Stock owned by a trust, as to which shares Mr. Lewis disclaims beneficial ownership.
 
(9)
Includes 116,667 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock that may be voted by Mr. Smith.
 
(10)
Includes 20,000 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock that may be voted by Mr. Hare.
 
(11)
Includes 25,000 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock that may be voted by Mr. Garrett.
 
(12)
Includes 8,333 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock that may be voted by Ms. Barton.
 
(13)
Includes 16,666 restricted shares of Class A Common Stock that may be voted by Mr. Okeson.
 
__________________
 
The beneficial ownership table above includes shares issuable upon the exercise of options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock that have vested or will vest within 60 days of March 31, 2009 by the following persons:
       
Name of
Beneficial Owner
 
Number of Shares
Represented by
Options
Nelson Peltz.....................................................................................................
 
0
 
Peter W. May..................................................................................................
 
0
 
Hugh L. Carey.................................................................................................
 
99,000
 
Clive Chajet......................................................................................................
 
99,000
 
Edward P. Garden............................................................................................
 
0
 
Janet Hill...........................................................................................................
 
44,854
 
Joseph A. Levato............................................................................................
 
99,000
 
J. Randolph Lewis...........................................................................................
 
44,854
 
David E. Schwab II.........................................................................................
 
99,000
 
Roland C. Smith...............................................................................................
 
353,334
 
Raymond S. Troubh.......................................................................................
 
99,000
 
Jack G. Wasserman.........................................................................................
 
87,000
 
Stephen E. Hare...............................................................................................
 
73,334
 
Thomas A. Garrett..........................................................................................
 
670,993
 
Sharron L. Barton............................................................................................
 
40,400
 
Nils H. Okeson................................................................................................
 
59,166
 
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (19 persons).......................
 
2,069,811
 


 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS - ACTIVITIES OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
Scope of Authority of the Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee (“Compensation Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors discharges the responsibility of the Board of Directors on compensation matters relating to the Company’s directors and executive officers.
 
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for reviewing and approving the goals and objectives for compensating the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the Company’s “CEO”) and for evaluating the performance of the Company’s CEO and determining and approving the compensation level of the Company’s CEO based on such evaluation. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves the compensation of other executive officers of the Company, considering the performance of such executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the overall compensation policy for the Company’s executive officers, including the use of employment agreements, severance plans and arrangements, deferred compensation plans and other executive benefits and perquisites, incentive programs and equity based plans. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to review and approve the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (which is referred to as the “CD&A”) prepared by management and to determine whether to recommend to the Board of Directors that it be included in the Company’s annual report and proxy statement.
 
The Compensation Committee also reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to directors’ compensation and perquisites.
 
The Compensation Committee, as a whole, consists of five directors (Messrs. Schwab (Chairman), Chajet, Levato, Lewis and Wasserman), all of whom the Board of Directors has determined are “independent” for purposes of the New York Stock Exchange rules.
 
The Compensation Committee has a Performance Compensation Subcommittee (which is referred to as the “Performance Committee”) whose purpose is to administer those Company compensation plans that are intended to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (which is referred to as the “Code”). The members of the Performance Committee are Messrs. Schwab (Chairman), Chajet, Lewis and Wasserman. Apart from matters within the responsibility of the Performance Committee, the Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to any other persons.
 
The Compensation Committee and Performance Committee meet as needed. The meetings are chaired by the Chairman, and the Compensation Committee and Performance Committee, often in consultation with management, set their own meeting agendas. In 2008, the Compensation Committee and the Performance Committee met jointly seven times, and in addition, the Performance Committee met separately three additional times.
 
Each year, with respect to its administration and implementation of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, as discussed further in the CD&A below, the Performance Committee determines those employees that are eligible to receive awards under the plan, evaluates the achievement of the goals and objectives under such plan for the previously completed fiscal year and also establishes the financial goals and objectives for the current year.
 
Throughout the year the Compensation Committee or Performance Committee (as the case may be) also takes under consideration various compensation related proposals from senior management and takes action with respect to its own initiatives and its responsibilities under various compensation and benefit plans.
 
The Compensation Committee also makes recommendations to the Board with respect to director compensation, works with senior management to formulate succession plans, and annually reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its charter, proposing changes as necessary to the Board for approval. A current copy of the Joint Charter of the Compensation Committee and of the Performance Compensation Subcommittee is available at the Company’s website (www.wendysarbys.com). The Compensation Committee is subject to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, a current copy of which is also available at the Company’s website.
 
In the course of its activities, and where appropriate for purposes under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Performance Committee may act with respect to other particular tasks relating to performance based compensation for the Company’s executives.
 
Compensation Consultants and Outside Counsel
 
To help it fulfill its mission, the Compensation Committee periodically evaluates the competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation programs, using information drawn from a variety of sources, including information supplied by consultants and its own experience in recruiting and retaining executives. The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain outside advisors and consultants in connection with its activities, and has the sole authority to approve any such advisors’ and consultants’ fees. Funding for such fees is provided by the Company at a level determined by the Compensation Committee.
 
In March 2008, the Compensation Committee engaged Towers Perrin (the “Compensation Consultant”) as its outside compensation consultant. The Compensation Consultant has over the years provided compensation advice with respect to Arby’s and Wendy’s and is familiar with both the operations of Arby’s and Wendy’s and compensation matters in the restaurant industry. The Compensation Consultant reports directly to the Compensation Committee and provides assistance to the Compensation Committee in developing the

 
16

 

 
Company’s executive compensation programs, executive pay levels, and non-management director pay levels and generally provides advice to the Compensation Committee on executive compensation matters. Outside of the services performed for the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Consultant may perform additional consulting services for the Company, subject to prior notification to, and the approval of, the Chairman of the Compensation Committee in the case of services for senior management or services with respect to Company matters that require any material expenditures (e.g., projects exceeding $50,000).
 
Role of Executives in Compensation Decisions
 
The Company’s executives play a variety of roles in assisting the Compensation Committee on compensation matters. At the commencement of the fiscal year, the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (the Company’s “CFO”) provide the Performance Committee with proposed performance goals and objectives for that year with respect to the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan and proposed participants eligible to receive performance goal bonus awards under the plan for that year and, following the completion of the year, provide the Performance Committee with proposed bonuses calculated under the plan’s terms. Under the terms of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, the Performance Committee may exercise negative discretion and determine to reduce any such proposed bonuses, notwithstanding the fulfillment of any or all of the performance goals. The Company’s CFO provides the Performance Committee with a certificate attesting to the satisfaction of various financial performance elements under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan with respect to the recently completed fiscal year and the proposed compensation attributable to such performance. The Company’s senior management also proposes discretionary performance bonuses for other executives who do not participate in the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan.
 
The CEO and members of the Company’s senior management with expertise in compensation, benefits, human resource and legal matters make recommendations to the Compensation Committee relating to proposed forms of employment, severance and other compensatory arrangements and compensation matters generally and present information regarding the Company’s financial and operating goals and actual performance, legal developments affecting the Compensation Committee’s duties and the Company’s compensation plans, and information and proposals regarding employee compensation and benefits.
 
Upon invitation of the Compensation Committee, certain members of senior management and outside counsel to the Company attend portions of Compensation Committee and Performance Committee meetings which are not conducted in executive session.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The Compensation Committee consists of five non-management directors (Messrs. Schwab, Chajet, Levato, Lewis and Wasserman). None of these directors has ever served as an officer or employee of the Company, except that from 1993 to 1996 Mr. Levato served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
 
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis with the Company’s management, and has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and this proxy statement.
 
The Compensation Committee
 
David E. Schwab II, Chairman
Clive Chajet
Joseph A. Levato
J. Randolph Lewis
Jack G. Wasserman

 
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
 
Overview
 
The most recently completed fiscal year, 2008, marked the successful consummation of the merger of Wendy’s and Arby’s. In this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for periods before the merger, the “Company” refers to Triac Companies, Inc., and Arby’s Restaurant Group (“Arby’s”), and “Wendy’s” means Wendy’s International, Inc. For periods after the merger, the Company refers to the combined operations of Arby’s and Wendy’s.
 
During this year the Compensation Committee was focused on (i) providing senior management of the Company with adequate incentives to maintain operations and effectuate the merger successfully during a period of significant economic turmoil in the markets, (ii) assisting the Company in attracting and retaining executive talent to successfully operate the expanded post-merger business and (iii) reviewing the compensation programs for the Company, post-merger, as part of an overall effort to integrate the operations of the companies and recognize synergies and savings from the merger. Compensation policies used in the past for former senior management, when the Company historically functioned both in the manner of an acquisition vehicle/private equity firm involved in the acquisition and growth of undervalued businesses, and as a manager of companies in diverse business sectors, have now been superseded by compensation policies that are consistent with the Company’s focus on its restaurant business.
 
Objectives of Compensation Philosophy
 
Introduction
 
In determining the appropriate compensation for its executive officers (consisting of its “named executive officers” (namely Messrs. Smith, Hare, Okeson and Garrett and Ms. Barton) and three other senior executives), the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Committee’s Compensation Consultant, considers a number of factors: competitive market practice, relative importance of role, individual performance, compensation history (including past pay levels with the Company), internal pay equity, alignment with stockholders’ interests and the creation of long term stockholder value.
 
During 2008, the Company’s executive officers operated under the general framework of the Arby’s compensation structure. Historically, the total compensation package for Arby’s executive officers has consisted of the following elements: base salary, annual cash incentives, long-term equity incentives and broad-based retirement and health and welfare plans. Generally, before the merger, Arby’s senior management’s base salary was targeted at the 50th percentile of peer group companies, and through the operation of an annual incentive plan, total annual cash compensation (consisting of base salary and target bonus) and total direct compensation (consisting of base salary, target bonus and long-term incentives) targeted at the 75th percentile. In 2008, and as further described below, the CEO and five other Arby’s executive officers participated in the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan with annual incentive awards tied to the achievement of modified EBITDA, earnings per share and appreciated stock price. If target performance had been achieved in 2008 with respect to these criteria, the participant’s total cash compensation would be consistent with the 75th percentile of peer company practices (as discussed below, no payments were made for 2008 in connection with awards under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan).
 
The total compensation package for Wendy’s executive officers historically has consisted of the following elements: base salary, annual cash incentives, long-term equity incentives and broad-based retirement and health and welfare plans. Generally, prior to the merger, Wendy’s senior management’s base salary compensation was targeted at the 50th percentile of peer group companies, and through the operation of an annual incentive plan, total annual cash compensation and total direct compensation was targeted at the 60th percentile for 2007 and 2008. With respect to annual incentive awards, Wendy’s senior management participated in a performance-based bonus incentive plan with performance goals based on the achievement of enterprise adjusted EBITDA and net income, and individual performance.
 
In December 2008, applicable for 2009, the Compensation Committee has adopted an approach that contains elements of both the compensation practices of Arby’s and the historical practices of Wendy’s: base salary targeted at the 50th percentile of peer group companies, with total annual cash compensation targeted at the 75th percentile and total direct compensation targeted at the 60th percentile, assuming target performance with respect to the applicable incentive criteria. The Compensation Committee anticipates that during fiscal 2009 and in future years, and consistent with its charter, it will continue to review and evaluate compensation policies, with an emphasis on compensation programs that encourage senior executives to reduce operating costs and achieve synergies associated with the merger.
 
Elements of Compensation
 
Throughout 2008, the Company’s overall compensation program (which is referred to as the “Executive Compensation Program”) was designed to achieve the Company’s business objectives, with particular emphasis on attracting and retaining top quality talent in a highly competitive market, motivating the Company’s executive officers during the negotiation and implementation of the merger and rewarding the Company’s executive officers for successfully completing the merger.  The compensation goal is to provide its executive officers with a total compensation package that—at expected levels of performance and consistent with an

 
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executive’s area of responsibility—is generally intended to be competitive with compensation opportunities that might otherwise be available to executives of similar experience and standing in the competitive market.
 
There are three primary components of executive compensation: (i) base salary; (ii) annual performance-based bonus awards, including cash bonuses under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, and (iii) long-term equity compensation under the Company’s equity plans.
 
During periods prior to the merger, the Company historically targeted pay against the quick serve restaurant and broader chain restaurant industry using disclosed pay practices of 20 publicly-traded companies (“Legacy Proxy Peer Group”) and the Chain Restaurant Compensation Association (“CRCA”) executive compensation surveys. The CRCA survey includes pay data on 101 restaurant companies managing 185 concepts. The data from the Legacy Proxy Peer Group and the CRCA survey was supplemented by broader retail and general industry market pay data where restaurant industry data were not available or were insufficient. The Legacy Proxy Peer Group is listed below. The Legacy Proxy Peer Group was used for determining compensation levels for Arby’s executive officers in 2008, prior to the merger.
 
 
Legacy Proxy Peer Group
 
     
AFC Enterprises Inc.
CKE Restaurants Inc.
PF Chang’s China Bistro Inc.
Brinker International Inc.
Darden Restaurants Inc.
Ruby Tuesday Inc.
Burger King Holdings Inc.
Denny’s Corp.
Sonic Corp.
CBRL Group Inc.
Bob Evans Farms Inc.
Starbucks Corp.
CEC Entertainment Inc.
IHOP Corp.
Yum! Brands Inc.
The Cheesecake Factory Inc.
Jack In The Box Inc.
 
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
McDonald’s Corp.
 
 
In December 2008, the Company made adjustments to compensation (both cash and equity) for executive officers that took into account published survey data for companies of comparable revenue operating across general industry sectors and in the retail and chain restaurant sectors, as well as proxy statement data for a peer group of 14 publicly-traded chain restaurant companies (“New Proxy Peer Group”). The New Proxy Peer Group was selected based on Wendy’s peer group, with additions and deletions based on merger and acquisition activity, the Company’s competitors and availability of public data and is listed below.
 
 
New Proxy Peer Group
 
     
Brinker International Inc.
Domino’s Pizza Inc.
Papa John’s International Inc.
Burger King Holdings Inc.
Bob Evans Farms Inc.
Ruby Tuesday Inc.
CBRL Group Inc.
Jack In The Box Inc.
Starbucks Corp.
CKE Restaurants Inc.
McDonald’s Corp.
Yum! Brands Inc.
Darden Restaurants Inc.
Panera Bread Co.
 
 
Base Salary
 
The Company’s base salary program is intended to provide base salary levels that are not subject to performance-related risk and that are competitive, in the judgment of the Compensation Committee and management, to the external market for executive talent and reflect an executive’s ongoing performance. Generally, base salaries are benchmarked on average at the 50th percentile of the relevant peer group at the time. Base salaries for the Company’s executives, including the named executive officers, for fiscal 2008 were established prior to the merger with Wendy’s, and during fiscal 2008 base salaries for the executive officers generally remained constant until December, when new employment agreements were entered into as described below (see “New Employment Agreements for the Senior Management Team.”)
 
Annual Bonus Awards
 
The Company maintains various bonus plans for bonus awards to its executive officers. Annual incentive cash bonuses under the stockholder-approved 1999 Executive Bonus Plan are designed to reward and motivate those executive officers designated by the Performance Committee to be participants over a one-year time frame based on the achievement of financial and business objectives that increase the value and prospects of the Company. For fiscal 2008, all of the currently-serving named executive officers participated in the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan. Discretionary annual bonuses also may be paid to executive officers. Executive officers who have not participated in the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan have participated in operating level bonus plans tied to various operating goals (e.g. modified EBITDA) in 2008.
 
1999 Executive Bonus Plan
 
Overview
 
    Under one part of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan (“Part II”), eligible executives are designated each year by the Performance Committee to receive an annual Performance Goal Bonus Award that is tied to the achievement of various “Performance Goals” (i.e.,

 
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objective quantifiable measures for the Company or its operating units). Part I of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan is no longer applicable.
 
Under the terms of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, individual performance and individual contributions are not recognized as separate compensable elements, and participants are eligible for bonus compensation based only on Company results. Each year, the Performance Committee is responsible for establishing the Performance Goals in a timely manner and may exercise negative discretion with respect to the payment of all or a portion of any Performance Goal Bonus Award even if all Performance Goals have been achieved. In 2008 none of the named executives qualified for a bonus with respect to awards under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan and consequently no such negative discretion was exercised. With respect to 2007, no negative discretion was exercised in connection with payment under the bonus awards made to Mr. Smith, who was the sole participant in 2007. During 2006 the Performance Committee exercised negative discretion with respect to bonuses payable to certain former named executive officers of the Company then eligible for such bonuses under Part II of the plan.
 
Under the terms of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan no payment under Part II to any participant can exceed $5 million. Performance Goal Bonus Awards may result in payment if actual results satisfy or exceed designated “Performance Goals.”  The size of the payment is expressed as a percentage of the participants’ base salary as determined by the Performance Committee, with payments keyed to various percentages of base salary, depending on the level of achievement. In cases where the Performance Committee has denominated multiple performance goals, achievement of multiple goals could result in an incentive bonus payment in excess of 100% of an executive’s base salary, subject to reduction by the Performance Committee.
 
At the time that the Performance Goals are established for any fiscal year, the compensation that would be payable if the goals were to be achieved is intended to be “qualified performance based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, in that the goals that are selected are substantially uncertain of being achieved at the time they are established and there can be no guarantee that all or any one of the performance goals will be satisfied based on actual fiscal year results.
 
With respect to Part II payments under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, before 2008, the Company met minimum or target levels for certain performance goals. Fiscal 2007 was the first year in which the plan included the “Modified EBITDA” performance goal, which was applied to Arby’s operating unit results, and, based on fiscal 2007 results the level of achievement for the Arby’s operating unit exceeded the minimum threshold for performance. In the case of fiscal 2008, however, target levels were not achieved with respect to the three performance goals and no amounts were paid out under the plan.  Modified EBITDA is defined below under Performance Goal Bonus Awards, which is part of the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “PROPOSAL 7REAPPROVAL OF PERFORMANCE GOAL BONUS AWARDS PORTION OF THE 1999 EXECUTIVE BONUS PLAN.”
 
In connection with the administration of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, the Company’s CFO provides the Performance Committee with a certificate regarding the computation of the various components of the Part II bonus awards and the Company’s outside accountants confirm the amount of the bonus awards relative to the underlying financial statement detail.
 
Fiscal 2008 Awards
 
In February 2008, the Performance Committee designated the named executive officers as participants for the 2008 plan year under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan and, in March 2008, set the performance goal bonus targets for the 2008 plan year for each participant. In conjunction with the Committee’s Compensation Consultant, and consistent with its efforts to develop performance goals under the bonus plan tailored to the business operations of Arby’s, the Performance Committee established three performance metrics for determining bonus payments under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan: (i) Modified EBITDA, which applied to Arby’s operations and took into account Company-wide expenses at the corporate headquarters level (which were not associated with the Modified EBITDA target for the Arby’s operating unit in 2007); (ii) Earnings Per Share (“EPS”); and (iii) Stock Price Appreciation on the Company’s Class B common shares (“SPA”).
 
Under the terms of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, the Performance Committee also has the authority to adjust or modify the calculation of performance goals to take into account unusual corporate transactions or other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company. In light of the anticipated accounting impact in fiscal 2008 resulting from the disposition by the Company of its interest in an asset management subsidiary unrelated to its restaurant operations and fees and expenses incurred in connection with ongoing strategic and financing matters initiated in prior years, the Performance Committee determined that the impact of such matters should be excluded from the determination of the achievement of performance goals for 2008. The intent of this adjustment was to ensure that the management team’s compensation was tied to the Company’s operations and results rather than to other events outside of their direct control. In addition, the Modified EBITDA, EPS and SPA targets, which were $162.4 million, $0.31 and $9.913, respectively, for fiscal 2008 were established by the Performance Committee prior to the announcement of the merger with Wendy’s. Accordingly, these targets were based only on the operating and financial results for the Arby’s operations and Company-wide expenses at the corporate headquarters level, which accounted only for a part of the post-merger operations.
 
As adopted by the Performance Committee, each executive was assigned to a category providing for a target payout as a percentage of base salary: 100% for Mr. Smith, 90% for Mr. Garrett and 75% for the other participants. Threshold, target and maximum achievement of each of the three designated performance goals was correlated with a percentage of the executive’s target payout percentage. In the case of the Modified EBITDA and EPS goals, the levels of achievement included thresholds at 85% of target

 
20

 

 
(which would result in a 25% payout), target (which would result in a 50% payout) and maximum achievement at 130% of target (which would result in a 100% payout). In the case of SPA, threshold achievement was 10% appreciation (which would result in a 25% payout), target (which would result in a 50% payout) and maximum achievement (which would result in a 100% payout).
 
Based on the target payout percentages designated for the participants, assuming target performance for all three metrics, Mr. Smith would have qualified for a bonus payment of 150% of his base salary ($1.5 million), Mr. Garrett would have qualified for a bonus payment of 135% of his base salary ($1.012 million), and the other participants would have qualified for bonus payments of 112.5% of their base salaries (ranging from $521,437 to $731,250). In the event of maximum performance for all three metrics, Mr. Smith would have qualified for a bonus payment of 300% of his base salary, Mr. Garrett would have qualified for a bonus payment of 270% of his base salary, and the other participants would have qualified for bonus payments of 225% of their base salaries. If actual performance had fallen between designated achievement levels, the relevant payout percentage would have been interpolated. While all such bonus payments would have been subject to negative discretion (and reduction) by the Performance Committee, the performance goal awards for fiscal 2008 were designed so that, in the event of target level achievement for all three metrics, the participant’s total cash compensation (base salary and bonus) would have been consistent with the 75th percentile of peer company practices.
 
The Performance Committee utilized the services of the Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant in establishing the three performance metrics for determining bonus payments under Part II of the Executive Bonus Plan. In particular, the Compensation Consultant provided information on the Company’s peer group regarding commonly used performance metrics for executive officer compensation, analyzed the impact of the achievement of the performance metrics at threshold, target and maximum performance on the projected total cash compensation and total direct compensation for the eligible executives, and provided the Performance Committee with materials setting forth their analysis.
 
Based on actual operating results for fiscal 2008 and the performance of the Company’s stock during the applicable period in 2008, none of the participants were entitled to any payments on their awards under Part II of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan.
 
Fiscal 2008 Discretionary Bonuses
 
In fiscal 2008, the Compensation Committee approved the award of discretionary bonuses to executive officers and other officers and employees in recognition of their efforts in successfully completing the Wendy’s merger. The Wendy’s business is a significantly larger operation than the pre-merger Arby’s, one of the best known food brands in the United States, and the Committee considered it appropriate to reward senior management and other selected personnel for the completion of the merger and the long-term value it added to the overall business and prospects of the Company.
 
The Compensation Committee also considered, as a basis for these discretionary awards, the fact no bonus payouts were achieved under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan for 2008, in part due to the financial market turmoil and adverse economic circumstances arising in the U.S. markets in 2008. Based on the successful completion of the merger, and the Company's operations in 2008, the Committee believed that the award of the following discretionary bonuses to senior management, was an appropriate recognition of their merger-related efforts.
 
One-time discretionary bonuses were paid to Messrs. Smith, Hare and Okeson of $500,000, $200,000 and $200,000 respectively, and to Ms. Barton of $100,000 (which in part constituted an advance with respect to $100,000 of her guaranteed 2008 bonus of $150,000), with such amounts as recommended by Mr. Smith as the Company’s CEO. Each of these bonuses is significantly less than the threshold or target bonuses possible under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan. The Compensation Committee views these as non-recurring bonus payments that were warranted by the overall facts and circumstances associated with completing the Wendy’s merger, as discussed above. These bonuses are not intended to qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code.
 
Long-term Incentive Compensation
 
The Compensation Committee uses long-term incentive compensation to deliver competitive compensation, retain executive talent and encourage a focus on long-term growth and stock appreciation.  As a result of the merger, the Company can continue to provide for awards under its existing equity plans and awards can also continue to be made to certain select recipients under “legacy” equity plans maintained by Wendy’s prior to the merger. Information about shares available for equity grants under these plans is set forth in the table under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” below.
 
Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, or exchange of shares), the terms of outstanding awards may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of outstanding options or stock appreciation rights or cancel outstanding options or stock appreciation rights in exchange for cash, other awards or options or stock appreciation rights with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original options or stock appreciation rights without stockholder approval.
 
What follows is a description of the existing equity plans and developments under those plans with respect to the Company’s executive officers.

 
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2002 Plan
 
The Company provides officers and key employees of the Company and its principal business units with equity-based incentives linked to longer-term business unit and corporate performance through the 2002 Plan, which provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of Company stock and the award of restricted stock, restricted stock units and/or stock appreciation rights. Option grants under the plan generally provide for ratable vesting over three years; restricted stock grants generally provide for ratable vesting over three years. Payment of the exercise price of options may be made by cash or by check payable to the Company and/or by delivery of unrestricted shares of Company stock having a fair market value equal to all or part of the purchase price. Payment for options may also be satisfied by way of a net exercise pursuant to which the option holder, without tendering the purchase price for the shares being purchased under the option, is paid shares of stock representing the excess of the aggregate fair market value (as defined in the Plan) on the date of exercise of the shares of stock as to which the option is being exercised over the aggregate purchase price for such shares. Option grants also provide for a net exercise feature allowing grantees to satisfy withholding tax obligations through the receipt of option shares net of withholding tax liability. Restricted stock awards allow for net settlement, allowing grantees to satisfy withholding obligations upon vesting through the forfeiture of a portion of the award. Generally, unvested options become fully vested upon a change of control or the optionee's death or disability, and unvested options are forfeited upon termination for other reasons. Restricted shares generally vest as provided for in the grantee's award or upon death or disability and unvested shares are forfeited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee retains the discretion to award grants of options and/or restricted shares with different vesting and forfeitability features. Except as modified by an award, vested options must be exercised within ninety days following a resignation or termination without cause, and within one year of the grantee's termination as a result of death or disability or within the one year anniversary of a change of control, unless the option term expires earlier.
 
As to the timing of equity grants generally, newly hired executives are granted options or equity effective on or about their first date of employment as approved by the Compensation Committee.
 
During fiscal 2008, the Performance Committee awarded options and restricted shares in the second and fourth quarters; and in past years awards have generally been made in the first or second quarter. For fiscal 2008, such grants included the grant of options and restricted shares to Messrs. Smith, Garrett, Hare and Okeson and to Ms. Barton (in the amounts reflected in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” below). In determining the size of option grants in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Performance Committee received data prepared by the Committee’s Compensation Consultant that set forth the executive’s compensation relative to market practices, based on cash compensation and earlier option awards made in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 (“Second Quarter 2008 Grants”).  The data provided by the Compensation Consultant showed that, after taking into account the Second Quarter 2008 Grants, the covered senior executives were below the 60th percentile with respect to their total direct compensation (“TDC”), as a result of the lower value attributable to the Second Quarter 2008 Grants. Consequently, additional option grants were made which brought TDC for these executives based on 2008 compensation closer to the 60th percentile TDC target.
 
The overall equity awards made in 2008 were based on a variety of factors, including rewarding efforts in 2008 and the need to provide appropriate incentives to senior management in connection with post-merger transition and integration efforts, while also limiting the size of the awards to avoid significant stockholder dilution and remain within the pre-established annual grant rate. Particularly with respect to the equity grants in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Performance Committee expressed its view that the awards were based on the unique circumstances that had occurred in 2008 and were not necessarily indicative of future activity.
 
In fiscal 2008, the Compensation Committee and Performance Committee also approved an adjustment to the exercise price on options outstanding under the 2002 Plan (and outstanding under the Company’s 1997 and 1998 Equity Participation Plans) to take into account the effect of the special dividend that the Company implemented in April, 2008. At that time, and as part of its transition to a “pure play” restaurant company, the Company distributed approximately 9.8 million shares of common stock of Deerfield Capital Corp, which it had received as consideration for the sale of its financial services subsidiary. Pursuant to the terms of the 2002 Plan (and other equity plans as well) the special dividend warranted an adjustment to the exercise price of all outstanding options, which had been determined by management, based on the advice of an outside consulting firm, to be thirteen cents ($0.13) per option.
 
Wendy’s Legacy Equity Plans
 
Wendy's legacy equity plans continue in effect following the merger, and consistent with applicable New York Stock Exchange and Section 162(m) guidelines, grants may continue to be made under those plans (other than the Wendy’s WeShare Stock Option Plan) to certain employees. The option and restricted stock grants awarded under the Wendy’s equity plans generally reflect the same characteristics as comparable awards under the Company's plans.  In 2008, the Company entered into a consulting and employment agreement with J. David Karam, which provided for him to become President of Wendy’s upon consummation of the merger. In connection with that agreement, upon effectiveness of the merger, Mr. Karam received an inducement award of 1,600,000 options (vesting over four years), which was granted under the Wendy’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The grant to Mr. Karam was made after the Compensation Consultant provided the Committee with data showing that Mr. Karam’s annualized total direct compensation (with the initial equity award divided equally over the vesting period) fell between the annual total direct compensation of Messrs. Smith and Garrett. Mr. Karam, who has had extensive

 
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experience as a franchisee in the Wendy’s system, was recommended by senior management as a key candidate whose hiring was critical to the successful implementation of the merger. Mr. Karam’s employment agreement is described more fully below under the caption “Executive Agreements and Other Arrangements - Employment Agreement with Wendy’s President.”
 
Executive Agreements and Other Arrangements
 
           During 2008, the Company reviewed and revised the employment agreements for its CEO and other executive officers and entered into a new agreement with J. David Karam providing for him to become President of Wendy’s upon effectiveness of the merger. The executive officer agreements were modified to address certain tax matters relating to Code Sections 409A and 162(m), as well as to create a uniform contractual framework going forward for the executive officers to assure the continued services of the experienced senior team, as their prior agreements were nearing expiration or were in renewal terms. The agreement with Mr. Karam was entered into to secure the services of a key executive with extensive experience in the Wendy’s system, who it is anticipated will make a significant contribution to the post-merger integration and operations of the Company.
 
New Employment Agreements for the Senior Management Team
 
Mr. Smith
 
The term of Mr. Smith’s employment has been extended for three years and will be automatically renewed for additional one-year periods unless either party delivers a notice of non-renewal at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Mr. Smith’s base annual salary was increased to $1,150,000 and his target bonus percentage was increased to 150%. The severance and termination provisions in his agreement are set forth in the chart below. Mr. Smith’s agreement also contains restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for 18 to 24 months following termination of employment depending on the circumstances of such termination.
 
Messrs. Garrett, Hare and Okeson and Ms. Barton
 
The term of employment has been extended for two years and will be automatically renewed for additional one-year periods unless either party delivers a notice of non-renewal at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Mr. Garrett’s annual base salary was increased to $800,000 and his target bonus percentage for 2009 (and the remaining contract term) was increased to 100%. Mr. Hare’s base annual salary was increased to $600,000 and his target bonus for 2009 (and the remaining contract term) is 75% of his base salary. Mr. Okeson’s annual base salary was increased to $500,000 and his target bonus for 2009 (and the remaining contract term) is 75% of his base salary. Ms. Barton’s annual base salary is $650,000 and her target bonus for 2009 (and the remaining contract term) is 75% of her base salary.
 
Mr. Garrett had a guaranteed bonus for 2008 of $250,000. Ms. Barton had a guaranteed bonus for 2008 of $150,000. Guaranteed bonuses are not provided for with respect to 2009 or later years under their revised employment agreements.
 
The severance and termination provisions in the agreements are set forth in the chart below. The agreements also contain restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants for 12 to 24 months following termination of employment depending on the circumstances of such termination.
 
Employment Agreement with Wendy’s President
 
On July 25, 2008, the Company entered into a consulting and employment agreement with J. David Karam, with his consulting services transitioning to employment contingent upon effectiveness of the Wendy’s merger. On September 29, 2008, the merger became effective and Mr. Karam became the President of Wendy’s. In this capacity, he reports solely to Mr. Smith, the CEO of the Company. Mr. Karam’s employment term is for an initial three year period and will then be automatically extended for additional one year periods unless either party provides a notice of non-renewal at least 120 days prior to the expiration of the then-current term. Mr. Karam’s initial base salary is $900,000, and he will be eligible to earn a bonus annually. Mr. Karam’s target bonus will be equal to 100% of his base salary for the fiscal year if Wendy’s achieves its target performance goals and his ‘stretch’ bonus will be equal to 200% of his base salary for the fiscal year if Wendy’s achieves or exceeds its ‘stretch’ performance goals. With respect to fiscal year 2008, Mr. Karam is entitled to a pro-rata target bonus based on the number of days worked by Mr. Karam for Wendy’s during the fiscal year, which equals $225,000. With respect to fiscal year 2009, Mr. Karam is guaranteed an annual bonus equal to 50% of his base salary, provided he remains employed by Wendy’s through December 31, 2009.
 
On September 29, 2008, concurrent with effectiveness of the Wendy’s merger, Mr. Karam was granted a 10-year option to purchase 1,600,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock pursuant to the Wendy’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan at an exercise price of $5.50 per share (the fair market value on the date of grant). The option will vest over a four-year period, 25% on each anniversary of the date of grant, provided Mr. Karam remains employed on each vesting date. The options will immediately vest in full and become exercisable upon a change in control (as defined in his employment agreement). Mr. Karam will also be eligible to receive additional equity-based awards during his employment.

 
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During the employment period, Mr. Karam will generally be entitled to participate in all of Wendy’s employee benefit plans and programs and will be entitled to four weeks of annual paid vacation each calendar year, reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses and a car allowance.
 
Upon any termination of employment, Mr. Karam is entitled to receive any accrued but unpaid base salary, vacation time, incentive bonus and any outstanding business expense reimbursements. Additionally, if Mr. Karam’s employment is terminated by Wendy’s without “Cause” or by Mr. Karam for “Good Reason” (each as defined in his employment agreement), he will receive a lump sum cash amount equal to two times the sum of his base salary and target bonus. Wendy’s will also pay the cost for Mr. Karam and his dependents to continue to participate in any of Wendy’s group health plans or life insurance plans for an 18 month period following termination. If such cash severance payment and health benefits continuation for Mr. Karam would trigger an excise tax, then in certain circumstances Mr. Karam will be entitled to receive a “gross-up payment” with respect to such payment and benefits, as more fully described in his employment agreement.
 
All outstanding equity awards held by Mr. Karam will become fully vested upon termination of his employment by Wendy’s without Cause or by Mr. Karam for Good Reason and will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination or the scheduled expiration date of the award. Mr. Karam’s equity awards will also be treated in this manner if his employment is terminated due to his death or disability. In order to receive payments or benefits payable to Mr. Karam as a result of his termination for Cause or without Good Reason, he must execute a waiver and general release of claims in favor of the Company, Wendy’s, their subsidiaries and affiliates, and other related parties.
 
Mr. Karam’s employment agreement also contains restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants that apply for one (1) or two (2) years following termination of employment depending on the circumstances of such termination. Mr. Karam also agreed that, for one year following termination of employment, he will not solicit any individual employed by the Company, Wendy’s and their respective affiliates or who was employed by them during the six-month period prior to such solicitation.
 
The Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant, analyzed the economic terms of Mr. Karam's employment arrangements as proposed by senior management, which indicated that on an annualized basis (i.e., annualizing his inducement option grant over the proposed term) total annual compensation for Mr. Karam fell between the compensation provided to Mr. Smith, the Company’s CEO, and Mr. Garrett, the President of Arby’s. Management's proposal for Mr. Karam was based on the proposition that he would be responsible for operating Wendy’s, a much larger operating business than Arby's, that as a Wendy's franchisee he had significant experience in the Wendy's system and would play an important role in improving operating results at Wendy's post-merger, and that in terms of internal pay equity, his compensation opportunity should fall between Messrs. Smith and Garrett. The Compensation Committee adopted this approach and approved the proposed compensation package for Mr. Karam.
 
Severance and Change in Control Benefits
 
Senior members of the Company’s management team have provisions in their respective employment agreements that provide for certain severance payments upon a termination by the Company without cause, termination by the executive as a result of a “Triggering Event” and, in the case of Mr. Smith, as a result of a “Special Termination Event”, i.e. a termination by him within a designated period following a change of control. The key terms and provisions of the severance arrangements that are currently in effect are summarized in the following table and are governed by the named executive officer’s employment agreement (all of which are exhibits attached to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2008). As to the quantitative nature of certain payments in parentheses below, the Company estimated the values as if the triggering event took place on December 26, 2008, the last business day of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year.
 
Description
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
Other Named Executive Officers
Termination events triggering severance cash benefits and benefits continuation:
 
 ·    Involuntary termination without Cause, other than for death or disability.
 ·    Termination by Mr. Smith for a “Triggering Event”.
 ·    Termination by Mr. Smith in connection with a “Special Termination Event”.
 
 ·    Involuntary termination without Cause, other than for death or disability.
 ·    Termination by executive officer for a “Triggering Event”.
 
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Severance cash benefit:
 
(a) Lump sum payment equal to (i) two times base salary in effect as of the effective date of termination ($2,300,000) plus (ii) two times target annual bonus for the year prior to the year of termination ($2,000,000).
(b) $25,000 (which shall increase to $27,500 in December 2010).
(c) Pro rata annual bonus based on actual performance, payable in lump sum on date bonuses are normally paid.
(d) In the event severance cash benefits are provided pursuant to a Special Termination Event, Mr. Smith will receive a tax gross up for any excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 on any “excess parachute payments”. If a Special Termination Event had occurred on 12/26/08, Mr. Smith would not have received a tax gross up because the amount of his benefits would not have been “excess parachute payments” so as to be taxed under Code Section 4999.
 
 
(a) The sum of the base salary in effect as of the effective date of termination plus the actual annual bonus paid, if any, for the year prior to the year of termination, paid in semi-monthly installments for a period of 12 months. Values as of 12/26/08 are as follows: Hare: $986,250; Garrett: $1,306,250; Barton: $913,250; and Okeson: $847,625.
(b) Continuation of the base salary in effect as of the effective date of termination for an additional period of 12 months, paid in semi-annual installments and offset by compensation earned by the executive officer during the same period.
(c) $25,000 (which shall increase to $27,500 in December 2010).
(d) Pro rata annual bonus based on actual performance, payable in lump sum on date bonuses are normally paid.
Executive must sign release to receive severance benefits:
 
Yes.
 
 
Yes.
Health and welfare benefits continuation:
 
Continued participation in the Company’s health and welfare plans for 18 months at Mr. Smith’s election and at full cost to Mr. Smith.
 
 
Continued participation in the Company’s health and welfare plans for 18 months at the executive officer’s election and at full cost to the executive officer.
E  Equity treatment:
 
All unvested stock options and restricted stock shall vest in full upon a Change in Control, an involuntary termination without Cause; termination by death or disability; or a termination following a Triggering Event or Special Termination Event. The estimated value of accelerated options if such an event occurred on 12/26/08 is $150,000 and the estimated value of accelerated restricted stock is $158,379.
·     Options remain exercisable for a period ending on the earlier of the one year anniversary of the termination or the expiration of the applicable option in the event of an involuntary termination without Cause; termination by death or disability; or a termination following a Triggering Event or Special Termination Event.
 
All unvested stock options that would have vested if the executive officer had remained employed by the Company through December 18, 2010 shall vest in full upon an involuntary termination without Cause, other than for death; a termination for disability; or a termination following a Triggering Event. In the case of Mr. Garrett, options and restricted stock will be fully vested. Values as of 12/26/08 are as follows: Hare: $33,333; Garrett: $60,000 for options and $118,750 for restricted stock; Barton: $16,668; and Okeson: $16,668.
·     Options remain exercisable for a period ending on the earlier of the one year anniversary of the termination or the expiration of the applicable option, except that Mr. Garrett’s replacement options remain exercisable for a period of 30 days after termination of employment.
 
Outplacement assistance:
 
No.
 
 
No.
 
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Restrictive covenants:
 
In the event of the termination of Mr. Smith’s employment without Cause or due to a Triggering Event, the restrictive period for the following covenants shall run for a period of 24 months. In the event of the termination of Mr. Smith’s employment for cause or other than due to a Triggering Event, the restrictive period shall be 18 months.
·     Prohibited from soliciting franchisees or suppliers and employees of the Company.
·     Prohibited from competing with the Company (see details below).
Mr. Smith is also subject to certain confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants.
 
In the event of the termination of the executive officer’s employment without Cause or due to a Triggering Event, the restrictive period for the following covenants shall run for a period of 24 months. In the event of the termination of the executive officer’s employment for cause or other than due to a Triggering Event, the restrictive period shall be 12 months.
·     Prohibited from soliciting franchisees or suppliers and employees of the Company.
·     Prohibited from competing with the Company (see details below).
The executive officers are also subject to certain confidentiality and non-disparagement covenants.
 
Non-Renewal Severance
 
Non-Renewal by the Company constitutes a Triggering Event- see above for severance benefits.
 
If employment is terminated by the Company by 120 day written notice of expiration, executive officer shall receive:
·     Continuation of the base salary in effect as of the effective date of termination for at least 8 months (payments to be made in semi-monthly installments);
·     Pro rata annual bonus, payable in lump sum on date bonuses are normally paid, based on actual performance, provided the executive officer remains employed during the 120 day notice period.
 
The estimated total value of benefits provided to Mr. Smith in the event his employment was terminated on December 26, 2008 as described in the table above is $4,633,379. The estimated total value for the other named executive officers (other than in the event of non-renewal of the employment agreement) is as follows: $1,644,583 for Mr. Hare; $2,310,000 for Mr. Garrett; $1,604,918 for Ms. Barton; and $1,389,293 for Mr. Okeson.
 
In calculating the values for the table above, the following assumptions were made: (1) price of the Company’s common stock was $4.75, the closing price per share on December 26, 2008; (2) there was no compensation offset for executives whose second year severance payments would otherwise be subject to reduction for outside earnings; (3) immediate exercise of all options that vested as of a December 26, 2008 termination date; (4) the remaining unvested options subject to accelerated vesting as of December 26, 2008 were valued at $0 (as none of the remaining unvested options has an exercise price less than $6.77/share); and (5) no six month delay in payment to any “specified employee” that would otherwise be required under Code Section 409A.
 
The employment agreements for Mr. Smith and the other named executive officers generally define “Cause” as: (i) commission of any act of fraud or gross negligence by the executive in the course of his or her employment that, in the case of gross negligence, has a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company or any of its affiliates; (ii) willful material misrepresentation by him or her to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (not applicable to Mr. Smith) or the Board; (iii) voluntary termination by him or her of his or her employment (other than on account of a Triggering Event) or the willful failure or refusal to comply with any material obligation(s) owed to the Company or to comply with a reasonable and lawful instruction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (not applicable to Mr. Smith) or the Board; (iv) engagement by him or her in any conduct or the commission by him or her of any act that is, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, materially injurious or detrimental to the substantial interest of the Company or any of its affiliates; (v) his or her indictment for any felony, whether of the United States or any state thereof or any similar foreign law to which he or she may be subject; (vi) any failure substantially to comply with any written rules, regulations, policies or procedures of the Company furnished to him or her that, if not complied with, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business of the Company or any of its affiliates; (vii) any willful failure to comply with the Company’s policies regarding insider trading; (viii) his or her death; or (ix) his or her inability to perform

 
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all or a substantial part of his or duties or responsibilities on account of his or her illness (either physical or mental) for more than 90 consecutive calendar days or for an aggregate of 150 calendar days during any consecutive nine month period (“Disability”).
 
The employment agreement for Mr. Smith generally defines “Triggering Event” as (i) a material reduction in his responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; (ii) a requirement that he reports to any person other than the Board; (iii) a reduction in his then current base salary or target bonus percentage; (iv) relocation to a work situs not in the Atlanta, Georgia greater metropolitan area without his consent, (v) a Company-initiated non-renewal of his employment at the end of the Employment Term or (vi) the occurrence of a “Special Termination Event”; provided that he must provide written notice no later than 30 days following his learning of the existence of a Triggering Event (other than under subclauses (v) or (vi) and provide the Company 30 days to cure the Triggering Event. Additionally, Mr. Smith must terminate his employment within six months of the initial occurrence of the circumstances constituting a Triggering Event for such termination to be a Triggering Event.
 
Mr. Smith’s employment agreement generally defines “Special Termination Event” as Mr. Smith’s decision to terminate his employment in the event that there is a change in control prior to the expiration of the Employment Term where he has provided between 90 and 120 days written notice (no more and no less) of his intention to terminate his employment in the 30-day period commencing 270 days following the change in control. For purposes of Mr. Smith’s employment agreement, “change in control” includes the acquisition by any person of 50% or more of the combined voting power of the Company, a majority of the Board of Directors not being nominated by the Board of the Company or a majority of the Board of Directors not consisting of Messrs Peltz, May or individuals nominated or recommended by them. (The definition of change in control excludes certain transactions in which Messrs. Peltz, May or their affiliates continue to control or influence the management or policies of the Company or any merger or sale of the Company to entities controlled by Messrs. Peltz, May or their affiliates).
 
The employment agreements for the other named executive officers generally define “Triggering Event” as (i) a material reduction in his or her responsibilities to the Company; (ii) a requirement that he or she report to any person other than the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Board; (iii) a reduction in his or her then current base salary or target bonus percentage; or (iv) relocation to a work situs not in the Atlanta, Georgia greater metropolitan area without his or her consent; provided that he or she must provide written notice no later than 30 days following his or her learning of the existence of a Triggering Event and provide the Company 30 days to cure the Triggering Event. Additionally, he or she must terminate his or her employment within six months of the initial occurrence of the circumstances constituting a Triggering Event for such termination to be a Triggering Event.
 
The employment agreements for the named executive officers generally restrict the executive officer from competing against the Company generally in the following manner:  the executive officer, in any state or territory of the United States (and the District of Columbia) or any country where the Company maintains restaurants, will not engage or be engaged in any capacity, “directly or indirectly” (as defined below), except as a passive investor owning less than a two-percent (2%) interest in a publicly held company, in any business or entity that is competitive with the business of the Company or its affiliates. This restriction includes, without limitation, (A) any business engaged in drive through or counter food service restaurant business typically referred to as “Quick Service” restaurants (such as Burger King, McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, etc.), for which revenues from the sale of hamburgers, sandwiches (including wraps) and salads represents at least 50% of total revenues from the sales of food items (excluding beverages) and also includes any business engaged in real estate development for such Quick Service businesses and (B) Yum! Brands, Inc. or its brands and each of its subsidiaries. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the executive officer shall not be prohibited from (X) accepting employment, operating or otherwise becoming associated with a franchisee of the Company, any of its affiliates or any subsidiary of the foregoing, but only in connection with the activities associated with the operation of such a franchise or activities that otherwise are not encompassed by the restrictions of this definition, subject to any confidentiality obligation that the executive officer may have, or (Y) accepting employment, operating or otherwise becoming associated with a “Quick-Service” restaurant business of a brand that has less than 100 outlets system-wide (including both franchised outlets and franchisor-operated outlets).
 
Other Benefits and Perquisites
 
Consistent with the Company’s Executive Compensation Program, and to enable the Company to attract and retain superior executives for key positions, the Company’s executives are provided with certain benefits and perquisites. For example, the Company’s executive officers are entitled to participate in the various benefits made available to the Company’s employees, such as the Company’s 401(k) plan, group health plans, vacation and sick leave, life insurance and short-term and long-term disability benefits, and all of the executive officers are covered by directors and officers liability insurance and indemnification agreements. Executive officers (as well as certain employees at various levels) are also provided with cellular phones, PDAs, and laptops that are intended primarily for business use.
 
In October 2008, the Compensation Committee approved certain expenditures in connection with the temporary living arrangements of Mr. Smith in Columbus, Ohio as a result of the Wendy’s merger. The presence of Mr. Smith in Columbus, as CEO of the Company, was viewed as critical to the successful integration of operations following the merger; particularly since one of the conditions of the merger was that the headquarters of Wendy’s remain in the vicinity of Columbus for a designated period of time. The expenditures approved include: a lease of an apartment for Mr. Smith and his wife in Columbus, Ohio (at a current rate of $7,200 per month); renter’s insurance for the apartment; $50,000 for Company-owned furniture, painting and set up costs associated with the apartment; the lease of an automobile; transportation to Atlanta for Mr. Smith and his wife (and reimbursement of the tax associated

 
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with the imputed income of his wife’s flights); moving expenses for personal items and reimbursement and a tax gross up on the tax differential resulting from the taxes associated with Ohio-related imputed income.
 
Other Material Considerations
 
Impact of Accounting, Tax and Legal Considerations
 
With respect to taxes, Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1 million limit on the deduction that the Company may claim in any tax year with respect to compensation paid to each of the Chief Executive Officer and three other named executive officers (other than the Chief Financial Officer). Accordingly, the Performance Committee monitors which executive officers may be subject to Section 162(m) in order to maximize the amount of compensation paid to these officers that will be deductible under Section 162(m).
 
Certain types of performance-based compensation are exempted from the $1.0 million limit. Performance-based compensation can include income from stock options, performance-based restricted stock, and certain formula driven compensation that meets the requirements of Section 162(m) (such as the provisions of the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan). The Performance Committee seeks to structure performance-based and equity compensation for the named executive officers in a manner that complies with Section 162(m) in order to provide for the deductibility of such compensation. At the same time, there may be circumstances in which the Compensation Committee and/or Performance Committee determines, in the exercise of its independent judgment that it is in the best interests of the Company to provide for compensation that may not be deductible.
 
Another section of the Code, Section 409A, affects the manner by which deferred compensation opportunities are offered to the Company’s employees because Section 409A requires that “nonqualified deferred compensation” be structured in a manner that limits employees’ abilities to accelerate or further defer certain kinds of deferred compensation. The Company has undertaken the necessary steps to ensure that its existing deferred compensation plans are operated in accordance with Section 409A.

 
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Introduction to the Summary Compensation Table
 
The Summary Compensation Table sets forth salary, cash bonus awards, equity awards and other compensation earned by, paid or awarded with respect to the 2008, 2007 and 2006 fiscal years to (i) the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Roland C. Smith; (ii) the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), Stephen E. Hare; and (iii) the Company’s three most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO and CFO who were serving as executive officers at the end of the 2008 fiscal year: Thomas A. Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARG, Sharron L. Barton, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Company, and Nils H. Okeson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company (collectively, the “named executive officers”). Additional information with respect to the compensation arrangements for the Company’s executive officers is set forth below under the caption “Certain Employment Arrangements with Executive Officers.”
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
Name and
Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary
($)
 
Bonus
($)
 
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 
Option
Awards
($)(2)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
 
All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 
Total($)
 
                                                 
Roland C. Smith...........................
 
2008
   
1,000,000
   
500,000
   
219,565
   
176,898
         
72,013
   
1,968,476
 
(CEO)
 
2007
   
1,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
495,219
   
264,489
   
   
36,574
   
2,796,282
 
   
2006
   
711,538
   
738,750
   
742,214
   
392,445
   
   
172,068
   
2,757,015
 
                                                 
Stephen E. Hare...........................
 
2008
   
515,000
   
200,000
   
26,387
   
38,595
         
20,454
   
800,436
 
(CFO)
 
2007
   
511,250
   
386,250
   
70,653
   
46,286
   
   
20,958
   
1,035,396
 
   
*
                                           
                                                 
Thomas A. Garrett.......................
 
2008
   
800,000
(4)
 
250,000
   
32,983
   
51,451
         
18,940
   
1,153,374
 
(President and CEO -
 
2007
   
787,500
   
506,250
   
88,316
   
66,122
   
   
21,862
   
1,470,051
 
ARG)
 
*
                                           
                                                 
Sharron L. Barton........................
 
2008
   
653,250
(5)
 
150,000
   
10,994
   
17,683
         
20,453
   
852,380
 
(SVP and Chief
 
2007
   
659,750
(6)
 
263,250
   
29,439
   
19,837
   
   
20,531
   
992,806
 
Admin. Officer)
 
*
                                           
                                                 
Nils H. Okeson.............................
 
2008
   
483,500
(7)
 
200,000
   
21,989
   
24,120
         
18,625
   
748,234
 
(SVP, GC and
 
2007
   
478,500
   
347,625
   
58,877
   
33,061
   
   
20,119
   
938,183
 
Secretary)
 
*
                                           
 
____________________
 
*
Messrs. Hare, Garrett and Okeson and Ms. Barton were not executive officers of the Company in 2006, and therefore compensation information for them is not provided for that fiscal year.
 
(1)
Represents the compensation expense recorded by the Company under FAS 123(R) in the year shown with respect to awards of restricted stock of the Company made to such named executive officer, disregarding any estimates of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. See Note (16) Share-Based Compensation to the Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”) for the assumptions made in determining FAS 123(R) values.
 
(2)
Represents the compensation expense recorded by the Company under FAS 123(R) in the year shown with respect to awards of stock options to the named executive officer, disregarding any estimates of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. See Note (16) Share-Based Compensation to the Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in the 2008 Form 10-K for the assumptions made in determining FAS 123(R) values.
 
(3)
Includes with respect to each named executive officer an automobile allowance and amounts for long-term disability and group term life insurance. Also includes with respect to Mr. Smith the following expenditures by the Company in connection with his temporary living arrangements for work at Wendy’s headquarters in Ohio: (i) $21,600 for the lease of an apartment for Mr. Smith and his wife in Columbus, Ohio, (ii) renter’s insurance and utilities costs associated with the apartment, (iii) moving expenses for personal items, (iv) automobile lease expenses, (v) expenses relating to his wife’s travel to and from Ohio, and (vi) reimbursement in the amount of $4,918 for taxes owed for use of corporate aircraft.
 
(4)
Includes $50,000 paid in lieu of a merit increase in 2007 and 2008.
 
(5)
Includes $3,250, the final quarterly installment of a payment in lieu of a merit increase in 2007.
 
(6)
Includes $9,750, the first three quarterly installments of a payment in lieu of a merit increase in 2007.
 
(7)
Includes $20,000 paid in lieu of a merit increase in 2007 and 2008.

 
29

 

 
The following table provides information concerning the annual performance bonus and long term incentive awards made to each of the named executive officers in 2008.
 
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
 
       
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)
  Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards  
 All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock
  All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying  
 Exercise or Base Price of Option
 
 Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option
Name   
 Grant
Date
 
 Threshold
($)
 
 Target
($)
 
 Maximum
($)
 
 Threshold
($)
 
 Target
($)
 
 Maximum
($)
 
 or Units
(#) (2)
 
 Options
(#) (3)
 
 Awards
($/Sh)
 
 Awards
($) (4)
                                             
Roland C. Smith.............
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
100,000
         
676,000
(CEO)
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
200,000
 
6.77
 
440,000
   
12/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
1,500,000
 
4.65
 
2,860,050
   
3/27/08
 
750,000
 
1,500,000
 
3,000,000
                           
                                             
Stephen E. Hare.............
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
12,000
         
81,240
(CFO)
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
35,000
 
6.77
 
69,650
   
12/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
500,000
 
4.65
 
953,350
   
3/27/08
 
289,688
 
579,375
 
1,158,750
                           
                                             
Thomas A. Garrett.........
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
15,000
         
101,550
(President and
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
50,000
 
6.77
 
99,500
CEO – ARG)
 
12/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
600,000
 
4.65
 
1,144,020
   
3/27/08
 
506,250
 
1,012,500
 
2,025,000
                           
                                             
Sharron L. Barton..........
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
5,000
         
33,850
(SVP and Chief
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
15,000
 
6.77
 
29,850
Admin. Officer)
 
12/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
250,000
 
4.65
 
476,675
   
3/27/08
 
365,625
 
731,250
 
1,462,500
                           
                                             
Nils H. Okeson...............
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
10,000
         
67,700
(SVP, GC and
 
6/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
25,000
 
6.77
 
49,750
Secretary)
 
12/18/08
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
     
250,000
 
4.65
 
476,675
   
3/27/08
 
260,718
 
521,437
 
1,042,875
                           
 
________________________
 
(1)
Under the 1999 Executive Bonus Plan, each named executive officer was assigned to a category providing for a target payout as a percentage of base salary: 100% for Mr. Smith, 90% for Mr. Garrett and 75% for the other participants. Threshold, target and maximum achievement of each of the three designated performance goals was correlated with a percentage of the executive’s target payout percentage. Based on the target payout percentages designated for the participants, assuming target performance for all three metrics, Mr. Smith would have qualified for a bonus payment of 150% of his base salary ($1.5 million), Mr. Garrett would have qualified for a bonus payment of 135% of his base salary ($1.012 million), and the other participants would have qualified for bonus payments of 112.5% of their base salaries (ranging from $521,437 to $731,250). In the event of maximum performance for all three metrics, Mr. Smith would have qualified for a bonus payment of 300% of his base salary, Mr. Garrett would have qualified for a bonus payment of 270% of his base salary, and the other participants would have qualified for bonus payments of 225% of their base salaries. If actual performance had fallen between designated achievement levels, the relevant payout percentage would have been interpolated. Based on actual operating results for fiscal 2008 and the performance of the Company’s stock during the applicable period in 2008, none of the participants were entitled to any payments from these awards. For more information regarding the 2008 performance targets and possible bonus payouts, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above.
 
(2)
Consists of a single restricted stock grant under the 2002 Plan. The shares vest ratably over three years, subject to continued employment through each of the anniversary dates.
 
(3)
Consists of two stock option grants under the 2002 Plan, each at an exercise price equal to the fair market value (i.e., closing price) of the underlying shares on the grant date and expiring ten years from the grant date. The options vest and become exercisable ratably over three years, subject to continued employment through each of the anniversary dates.
 
(4)
The grant date fair value of an award is determined pursuant to FAS 123(R). See Note (16) Share-Based Compensation to the Company’s consolidated financial statements set forth in the 2008 Form 10-K for the assumptions made in determining FAS 123(R) values.

 
30

 

 
The following table provides information concerning the unexercised stock options and unvested restricted stock awards as of the end of fiscal 2008 for each of the named executive officers.
 
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
 
   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable (1)
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
 
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested (#)
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested ($)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That Have
Not Vested (#)
 
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested ($)
 
                                                         
Roland C. Smith.................
 
146,666
   
73,334
   
     
16.49
(2)
4/13/16
   
33,334
(3)
 
158,337
               
(CEO)
 
66,667
   
133,333
   
     
15.71
(2)
5/23/17
   
100,000
(5)
 
475,000
               
         
200,000
   
     
6.77
 
6/18/18
                           
         
1,500,000
   
     
4.65
 
12/18/18
                           
                                                         
Stephen E. Hare.................
 
50,000
   
25,000
   
     
15.88
(2)
6/07/16
   
8,000
(4)
 
38,000
               
(CFO)
 
11,667
   
23,333
   
     
15.71
(2)
5/23/17
   
12,000
(5)
 
57,000
               
         
35,000
   
     
6.77
 
6/18/18
                           
         
500,000
   
     
4.65
 
12/18/18
                           
                                                         
Thomas A. Garrett............
 
203,328
         
     
3.9097
(2)
7/25/15
   
10,000
(4)
 
47,500
               
(President and
 
334,331
         
     
6.9864
(2)
7/25/15
   
15,000
(5)
 
71,250
               
CEO – ARG)
 
66,666
   
33,334
   
     
16.09
(2)
4/28/16
                           
   
16,667
   
33,333
   
     
15.71
(2)
5/23/17
                           
         
50,000
   
     
6.77
 
6/18/18
                           
         
600,000
   
     
4.65
 
12/18/18
                           
                                                         
Sharron L. Barton..............
 
20,266
   
10,134
   
     
16.09
(2)
4/28/16
   
3,333
(4)
 
15,832
               
(SVP and Chief
 
5,000
   
10,000
   
     
15.71
(2)
5/23/17
   
5,000
(5)
 
23,750
               
Admin. Officer)
       
15,000
   
     
6.77
 
6/18/18
                           
         
250,000
   
     
4.65
 
12/18/18
                           
                                                         
Nils H. Okeson..................
 
28,334
   
14,166
   
     
16.09
(2)
4/28/16
   
6,666
(4)
 
31,664
               
(SVP, GC and
 
8,333
   
16,667
   
     
15.71
(2)
5/23/17
   
10,000
(5)
 
47,500
               
Secretary)
       
25,000
   
     
6.77
 
6/18/18
                           
         
250,000
   
     
4.65
 
12/18/18
                           

_____________________
 
(1)
All such options have vested.
 
(2)
Reflects a $0.13 reduction in the exercise price per share of each stock option outstanding at the time of the special dividend of shares of common stock of Deerfield Capital Corp. paid to the Company’s stockholders in April 2008 (the “DFR share dividend”).  The reduction was effected in accordance with the Company’s equity participation plans, which provide for such price adjustments upon occurrence of extraordinary events such as the DFR share dividend.
 
(3)
On March 26, 2007, the Company granted a total of 100,000 shares of restricted common stock to Mr. Smith pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. Such restricted shares have both time vesting targets (66,667 shares) and performance vesting targets (33,333 shares). During 2007, 33,333 of the time-vesting shares vested on the first anniversary of the date of commencement of Mr. Smith’s employment. During 2008, (i) an additional 16,667 of the time-vesting shares vested on the second anniversary of the date of commencement of his employment, (ii) 8,333 of the performance-vesting shares vested upon the Performance Committee’s determination that certain performance targets had been met, and (iii) 8,333 unvested performance-vesting shares were forfeited as a result of elimination of a “catch-up” vesting feature in the 2007 grant.
 
(4)
On May 23, 2007, the Company granted certain officers and key employees, other than Mr. Smith, a total of 159,300 shares of restricted common stock under the 2002 Plan. These shares vest ratably over three years, subject to continued employment through each of the anniversary dates. The price of the Company’s common stock granted to the named executive officers on the grant date was $15.84 and the resulting grant-date fair value is being recognized as compensation expense ratably over the vesting periods.
 
(5)
On June 18, 2008, the Company granted certain officers and key employees a total of 265,350 shares of restricted common stock under the 2002 Plan. These shares vest ratably over three years, subject to continued employment through each of the anniversary dates. The price of the Company’s common stock granted to Mr. Smith on the grant date was $6.76 and the price

 
31

 

 
 
of the Company’s common stock granted to the other named executive officers on the grant date was $6.77. The resulting grant-date fair values are being recognized as compensation expense ratably over the vesting periods.
 
The following table provides information concerning the vesting during 2008 of restricted stock awards previously made to each of the named executive officers. None of the named executive officers exercised any stock options during 2008.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
 
   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)
 
Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)
 
Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)
 
Value
Realized on
Vesting ($)(1)
 
Roland C. Smith
 
   
     
25,000
         
175,583
 
(CEO)
                               
Stephen E. Hare
 
   
     
4,000
         
27,480
 
(CFO)
                               
Thomas A. Garrett
 
   
     
5,000
         
34,350
 
(President and CEO - ARG)
                               
Sharron L. Barton
 
   
     
1,667
         
11,452
 
(SVP and Chief Admin. Officer)
                               
Nils H. Okeson
 
   
     
3,334
         
22,905
 
(SVP, GC and Secretary)
                               
________________________
 
(1)
Based on the closing price of the shares on the vesting date.
 
Compensation of Directors
 
Under the Company’s previous program for compensation of non-management members of the Board, which was in effect until the end of the 2008 fiscal year, each non-management director received an annual retainer (payable quarterly) of $30,000 for serving on the Board, plus $1,500 for each meeting of the Board or of a committee (or subcommittee) of the Board that such director attended.  Under the 2002 Plan, each non-management director could elect to have all or a portion of the annual retainer and meeting attendance fees paid in shares of the Company’s common stock rather than in cash.  In addition, pursuant to the 2002 Plan, each director of the Company who was not also an employee of the Company or of any subsidiary or affiliate received options to purchase an aggregate of 45,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of such director’s initial election or appointment to the Board.  On the date of each subsequent annual meeting of stockholders of the Company at which such a director was re-elected, he or she received options to purchase 12,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
 
In December 2008, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that annual compensation payable to the Company’s non-management directors be restructured and increased beginning on the first day of the Company’s 2009 fiscal year. The Compensation Committee’s decision to revise annual compensation payable to non-management directors was based on a number of factors: cash compensation for directors had remained static for at least fifteen years and the merger with Wendy’s increased the size of the business operations of the Company and the corresponding meeting obligations and responsibilities of the directors. The provisions of the revised compensation program, which are set forth below and provide for a combination of cash payments and restricted stock grants, were designed taking into account advice and counsel from the Committee’s Compensation Consultant, who advised that the proposed pay levels appeared reasonable relative to market practices. In connection with the new compensation program, the provisions of the 2002 Plan providing for automatic grants of options to directors were deleted. The Board approved the Compensation Committee’s proposal on February 3, 2009.

 
32

 

 
Annual Retainers:
·         Board retainer for each non-management director:                                                                                                       $67,500
·         Audit Committee Chairman’s retainer:                                                                                                                            $20,000
·         Audit Committee member’s retainer:                                                                                                                               $10,000
·         Compensation Committee Chairman’s retainer:                                                                                                             $15,000
·         Compensation Committee member’s retainer:                                                                                                                  $7,500
 
Meeting Fees:
·          No meeting fees are paid to members of the Audit Committee
and the Compensation Committee. Members attending each meeting of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, ERISA
Committee, Capital and Investment Committee, Corporate
Social Responsibility Committee and Executive Committee receive the following fee for each meeting               $2,000
 
Stock Awards:
·          Grant upon initial election or appointment to the Board:                                                                                            Discretionary, initially set at $75,000*
·          Annual grant upon re-election to the Board:                                                                                                                Discretionary, initially set at $75,000*
___________
*       Equity awards payable in restricted stock vesting 50% after one year from grant
and 50% after two years from grant, conditioned on continued Board service.
 
In connection with approving this new program, the Board also approved development of a deferred compensation plan. Directors would be offered the option to participate in that plan, which is expected to be adopted later in 2009. The deferred compensation plan would allow a participant to defer a percentage or sum of his or her retainer and meeting fees and/or restricted stock grant into deferred stock units, which are based on the value of Company stock and subject to the same vesting schedule in the case of the deferral of restricted stock.  Dividend equivalents accrue on deferred amounts.  The amounts are payable in Company stock in a lump sum on the earlier of the director’s termination of board service, a fixed number of years or death, as elected by the director.


 
33

 

 
The chart below summarizes the compensation paid to the Company’s non-employee directors for their services as directors during fiscal 2008.
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
Name
 
Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
 
Stock
Awards ($)
 
Option
Awards ($)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
 
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
 
All Other
Compensation
($)
 
Total ($)
 
Nelson Peltz............................................
 
   
12,465
(1)
 
5,380
(2)(3)
 
   
   
   
17,845