Read n the news today that the Triarc Companies, owner of the Arby’s chain of restaurants, has bought Wendy’s International restaurants. The deal is worth an estimated $2.34 Billion. Wendy’s is the third largest hamburger chain in the U.S., behind #1 McDonald’s and #2 Hardees.

The family of the late Dave Thomas, Wendy’s founder, said they were hoping that David Karam, a Wendy’s franchisee, would buy the comapny and effectively “keep it in the family,” but he was outbid by Triarc after months of negotiations.

Wendy’s 2008 first quarter profits totaled $4.1 Million, compared with a 2007 first quarter profit of $14.7 million.