Sara Lee Corp. (SLE) Chief Executive Brenda Barnes said the company has had expressions of interest for its international household and body care operations and is making progress in its proposed sale of that business.

The company previously said it was exploring options for that business.

Sara Lee executives highlighted efforts to sell consumers higher end products, like the company's Ball Park Angus beef franks, which they said will help profit margins. The company said it is also pushing to grow margins in its bakery business.

Speaking to reporters after the company's analyst presentation in New York, Barnes said the company is "on track" in its process of examining options for the international household and body care operations.

"It's a long process," she said. "You can't rush it."

Barnes also reiterated that Sara Lee is open to making acquisitions that fit in with its strategy to drive growth.

The company said Wednesday that the board intends to keep the quarterly dividend unchanged at 11 cents a share for the next four quarters.

Sara Lee also said it is eliminating less profitable brand extensions in its foodservice and retail businesses.

-By Anjali Cordeiro, Dow Jones Newswires; anjali.cordeiro@dowjones.com