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(13) Legal, Environmental and Other Matters | 3 Months Ended
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Apr. 01, 2012
Legal and Environmental Matters [Abstract] |
Legal, Environmental and Other Matters | Legal, Environmental and Other Matters We are involved in litigation and claims incidental to our current and prior businesses. We provide reserves for such litigation and claims when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. As of April 1, 2012, the Companies had reserves for continuing operations for all of its legal and environmental matters aggregating $2,305. We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss due to most proceedings being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur, and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult. Based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to us, and given the aforementioned reserves and our insurance coverage, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. As previously described, there are claims that have been asserted by Wendy’s against Tim Hortons, Inc. (“THI”) and by THI against Wendy’s. Since the filing of the Form 10-K, the parties have agreed on a mediator. We cannot estimate a range of possible loss, if any, for this matter at this time since, among other things, it is still in a preliminary stage, significant factual and legal issue are unresolved, no mediation sessions have been held, and the mediation will be non-binding. If no agreed resolution is reached, the matter would be resolved either by litigation or binding mandatory arbitration, in which case various motions would be submitted and discovery would occur. If no agreed resolution is reached, Wendy’s intends to vigorously assert its claim and defend against the THI claims.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for legal proceedings, legal contingencies, litigation, regulatory and environmental matters and other contingencies. + References No definition available. + Details
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