CHICAGO — Burger King's new ruler could help its empire expand.

Burger King Holdings sealed a deal Thursday to sell itself for $3.26 billion to 3G Capital, an investment firm with strong ties to Latin America. The fast-food chain's chairman and CEO, John Chidsey, said the deal will help it expand more rapidly overseas.

Chidsey, who will become co-chairman of the company after the tender offer is complete, said the $24-per-share deal also brings 3G Capital's experience and contacts abroad. "Hopefully they'll be able to even provide more of an accelerant to the fire," he said.

More than one-third of Burger King's locations are outside the U.S. That's growing as the company shifts its expansion focus to other countries. In the past year, 90 percent of its new locations were built abroad.

Chidsey declined to comment on specific strategies, deferring to 3G Capital. He also declined to comment on potential efforts to cut costs, including possible layoffs. Messages left for 3G Capital weren't returned, but the company told franchisees and investors in a letter on its website it plans to invest in the brand and highlighted opportunities in Asia and Latin America.