Wendy’s International is considering selling the company as earning expectations for the year have lowered.

Wendy’s is the third largest hamburger chain in the world, after McDonald’s and Burger King. However successful, the company has experienced weak sales lately, which determined its executives to seek ways which would boost shares.

James V. Pickett, Wendy's chairman, said in a statement yesterday: “While a sale remains only one of the alternatives under consideration, we believe it merits more thorough examination.” Pickett is also head of the committee exploring alternatives for the company.

The company said there is yet no definitive time plan for the sale. The company mentioned that weak sales in stores that have been for at least one year, as well as commodity costs surpassing initial estimations have caused the decrease in profit expectations.

On Monday, Wendy’s reduced its earnings expectations to 295 million to 315 million dollars, while its initial profit outlook of 330 million to 340 million for the year.

The Dublin, Ohio-based company formed its special committee in April. Pressure from shareholders has been mounting. Wendy’s attempted to compete with rivals McDonald’s and Burger King by expanding its menu as well as creating a breakfast offer.