BJ's Wholesale Club Inc said it has decided to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company.

It said it has not made a decision to pursue any specific option and there is no timetable for the process.

Morgan Stanley has been hired as financial adviser, it said.

BJ's shares were up 13.9 percent to $49.00 in premarket trading.

(Reporting by Ben Klayman; editing by John Wallace)

Morgan Stanley Sale