DUBLIN, Ohio – Wendy’s franchisee in Japan has agreed to acquire First Kitchen Ltd. from Suntory Holdings Ltd. The deal includes 136 restaurants.

Wendy’s Japan intends to convert the First Kitchen locations into Wendy’s First Kitchen restaurants thus expanding Wendy’s footprint in Japan. Wendy’s Japan has been testing the hybrid concept at two locations that have been open since 2015. Wendy’s First Kitchen offers a blended, revamped menu of hamburgers and chicken sandwiches in addition to pasta and other popular First Kitchen items.

Bob Wright, executive vice president and COO International, The Wendy’s Company, said in a statement that the Wendy’s First Kitchen concept is an example of how Wendy’s is bringing its “narrow and deep” international strategy which focuses on Japan, India, Brazil and the Middle East.

“The First Kitchen restaurant brand is well-established with a presence in many desirable, busy locations throughout Japan,” Bob Wright, executive vice president and COO International, The Wendy’s Company, said in a statement. “We anticipate the acquisition will leverage the strengths of both Wendy’s and First Kitchen, while providing a springboard for growth in the coming years.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of June.