Ohio Business Digest

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Ohioans to modify loans with Countrywide

COLUMBUS — About 8,000 Ohioans will be able to modify loan agreements with Countrywide Financial Corp. under a settlement between the company and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Relief to Ohio borrowers is estimated at $97 million.

Other states were involved in the settlement, which could mean relief of $7 billion to $8 billion for about 397,000 borrowers.

The agreement was reached with Bank Of America, which acquired Countrywide on July 1.

Modifications may include a freeze or reduction in interest rates, conversion to fixed-term loans and refinancing or reduction of principal owed.

For more information, call (800) 669-6607.

Study: Wendy’s offers speediest drive-thrus

DUBLIN, Ohio — A new study finds that Wendy’s offers the speediest drive-thrus in the fast-food, or quick-service restaurant, business.

QSR Magazine reports that a survey conducted by Insula Research found a trip through the drive-thru at Wendy’s averages just 2 minutes and 11 seconds.

The researchers also say the number of drive-thru customers has been declining at Wendy’s, which tends to mean faster service times.

Wendy’s finished fourth overall for drive-thru service when other factors were considered, including how accurately orders are filled. Chick-fil-A ranked first, followed by McDonald’s and Burger King.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports