ATLANTA — The proposed merger of Arby’s and Wendy’s could create significant behind-the-scenes changes for the companies, but the two restaurant chains are likely to maintain distinct brands in the eyes of consumers, industry experts say. Triarc Cos., the parent company of Atlanta-based Arby’s, and Wendy’s International, based in Dublin, Ohio, are scheduled Monday to tally votes on the proposed merger at their shareholder meetings. Both company boards are backing the deal.

If approved, Wendy’s shareholders will receive 4.25 shares of Triarc stock for each share of Wendy’s stock, making the deal worth about $2.3 billion.

The merger would create the third-largest U.S. fast-food chain in terms of systemwide sales, behind McDonald’s Corp. and Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.