Atlanta-based AFC Enterprises announced July 12 the merger of its international division, which includes brand operations and sales development teams, with its domestic operating companies.

The merger provides more resources for AFC’s International Church’s Chicken, Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Cinnabon divisions. The combination of international and domestic expertise will produce stronger, more efficient operations and franchise development teams.

“The international divisions are critical to achieving the overall growth that we envision for each of out operating companies,” said Dick Holbrook, president and CEO of AFC. “Now, with the support of the entire operating company, we expect tremendous success to result from our new global enterprises.”

AFC has more than doubled its international presence within the last few years. The company no has more than 2000 commitments for future restaurants, bakeries and cafes to be built.

Cinnabon signed its largest-ever franchise agreement with Manilla-based Southwest Maritime Corporation to open 70 bakeries in the Philippines. To date, the company has negotiated agreements to build 382 bakeries worldwide, almost doubling its present number of locations.

Seattle’s Best Coffee recently signed a deal with Cho’s Brothers Food Corporation to bring 40 cafes to Korea by December 2004. AFC has negotiated deals to open 56 Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits, for the first time, in Indonesia and six in Iceland. The restaurants will be operated by the Hadisurjo Group in Indonesia and Hof Holdings in Iceland.

AFC Enterprises is one of the world’s largest operators and franchisors of restaurants, bakeries and cafes with more than 3400 locations in 27 countries worldwide.