GE Capital's Franchise Finance business announced it has provided $35.5 million in senior debt to Valenti Mid-South Management, LLC, a major Wendy's franchisee based in Tampa, FL. The funds will be used to refinance most of the company's senior debt.

Valenti owns and operates 125 Wendy's restaurants in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri and Pennsylvania, as well as 17 Chili's in Mississippi and Alabama. The company employs more than 4,900 people.

"We really value GE Capital's experience in the restaurant industry," said Sharon M. Ritch, Valenti's chief accounting officer. "We also benefit from the long-standing relationship we've built with their account manager and their senior management as we've grown the business."

"We understand the importance of working closely with each customer to meet their capital goals," said John Sullivan, a senior vice president with GE Capital, Franchise Finance. "We're committed to providing capital that enables restaurant operators to grow their franchises."

GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the U.S. franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisitions. With more than 30 years of experience and over $7 billion in served assets, it provides financing to more than 2,000 customers and 14,000 properties. The business specializes in financing mid-market operators with multiple stores in the restaurant and hospitality industries.