dineequity was created from a foundation established by ihop - an american icon to our guests and a franchising company focused on providing strategic, visionary leadership for our franchisees, unparalleled opportunities for our team members, and enhancing value for our shareholders. by bringing applebee's together with ihop in november 2007, we made a bold, new commitment to our brand-revitalization abilities and to the power of franchising. dineequity has successfully made our two businesses more powerful and more successful than either brand could have been apart. our dedicated focus combined with a core expertise in brand revitalization and franchising know-how is the basis for the winning formula that has defined the financial success of our business. as reported by nation's restaurant news, applebee's and ihop are the category leaders in casual and family dining. with more than 3,600 applebee's and ihop restaurants in 18 countries, a 99%-franchised system of more than 350 franc