Jack in the Box seeking ‘financing alternatives’ amid struggles

Jack in the Box, struggling in the very competitive burger market, is now hoping a buyer will pop up.

The 67-year-old fast-food chain has been talking to potential acquirers as it explores “strategic and financing alternatives,” according to a regulatory filing on Monday.

The announcement comes as Jack faces increasing pressure from two activist investors — Jana Partners and Blue Harbour Group, which together own a 14-percent stake in the company. Jana cut a deal in October to get two board seats, and Blue Harbour raised its stake the same month.

Management has come under fire in recent months as the Jack’s largest franchisees have called for Chief Executive Leonard Comma to step down amid complaints over a lack of investment in the brand as sales decline.

“In the last six years, we have had one successful marketing campaign,” David Beshay, a large franchise owner, told The Post. “Our transactions have been declining for the past six years and that’s not sustainable.”

Unlike other big fast-food chains, San Diego-based Jack didn’t offer value meals, like the $1 and $3 meals that have been a staple at McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s.

“The company said this is going to pass, we don’t want to play in this game, and it suffered because it decided not to be competitive,” Wedbush Securities analyst Nick Setyan said.

While the franchisees are hopeful that a change in ownership will result in a greater investment in the business, that is not the typical activist investor playbook.

“Jana would say you need to spend less to be more profitable,” Setyan added.

Shares of Jack in the Box rose 2.1 percent on Monday, to $82.03.