Aug 15 (Reuters) - Flynn Group, which says it is the

world's biggest franchise operator, bought 83 Wendy's

franchises in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, bringing its total to

277.

The deal closed on Wednesday, according to Greg Flynn, the

company's CEO. Terms of the deal and the identity of the seller

were not disclosed.

The purchase makes San Francisco-based Flynn one of Wendy's

biggest U.S. franchisees with nearly one out of every 20 of the

burger chain's locations. Flynn Group became a Wendy's

franchisee in 2021 by purchasing around 190 outlets from a

bankrupt operator.

Wendy's objected to Flynn's entry at first, citing Flynn's

ownership of competitor restaurants. Flynn also owns Arby's and

Panera Bread locations.

"It went from a stiff arm - to keep us out of their system -

to an embrace, now that they've realized we're the kind of

franchisee they'd like to see grow in the system," said Greg

Flynn, referring to its relationship with Wendy's.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy's on Aug. 1 disclosed that

same-store sales rose by a mere 0.6% in its U.S. stores and 2.5%

internationally in its most recent quarter.

Flynn Group says it generates $5 billion in annual sales and

operates more than 2,900 franchises including Wendy's,

Applebees, Taco Bell, Arby's, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut and Planet

Fitness.

Flynn last year became the sole franchisee for Wendy's in

Australia, where it plans to develop 200 restaurants in the

coming decade. Earlier this year, the company also purchased

Wendy's New Zealand franchise.