Wendy's Arby's Group interested in Krispy Kreme?

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. would not comment on a report Monday speculating that a deal may be in the works.

An item in Briefing.com, as reported by Barrons, said that the parent of the Wendy’s and Arby’s fast-food brands was considering acquiring the 548-unit Krispy Kreme chain.

Denny Lynch, a spokesman for Atlanta-based Wendy’s/Arby’s, said the company does not comment on market rumors. Representatives for Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme did not return calls for comment by press time.

Wendy's/Arby's has hinted in the past that it may be interested in acquiring a third brand, and with investor Nelson Peltz as its non-executive chairman, has a history of mergers and acquisitions. In June, Wendy’s/Arby’s closed on an offering of $565 million of senior unsecured notes, and the company said part of the proceeds could be earmarked toward the acquisition of another restaurant company.