Associated Press | The operator of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants says it may have received a better takeover offer than the one it already has from a private equity firm. CKE Restaurants Inc. said Wednesday that an unnamed party submitted a bid that may be superior to its current deal with Thomas H. Lee Partners, a Boston firm that’s among a trio of investment firms that bought Dunkin’ Brands Inc. in 2006.

CKE did not disclose many specifics about the new proposal, but said it
can keep talking with the bidder until April 27 because they have
qualified as an excluded party. The bidder did not disclose how they
would pay for the transaction.

CKE was allowed to seek alternative offers until Tuesday.