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The Big Mac is getting more company.

McDonald's Corp. plans to add a long-tested nearly third-pound angus burger to its U.S. menu, according to franchise groups.

The $4 sandwiches will go toe to toe with premium offerings from Burger King and Wendy's.

"They delayed introducing it because of the economic environment, but they're recognizing that all of the chains have a high-quality burger," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president at Technomic Inc., a Chicago-based restaurant research firm.

"It makes sense for them to have something to compete with the Steakhouse Burger and the Baconator."

This version -- being tested in California, New York and Columbus, Ohio -- is smaller than the one that appeared briefly in 2007 as the Angus Third Pounder in several Chicago area stores. A slightly smaller size eliminates the need for new equipment, said Danya Proud, a McDonald's spokeswoman.

Franchises are already investing about $100,000 each in new equipment to accommodate the chain's impending specialty coffee program.

The move is a surprise to some store owners who worry about breaking two higher-priced menu items during a recession, said consultant Richard Adams.

"The concern is in regard to this economy and the two premium-priced products they're going to focus on," he said.

ANGUS THIRD POUNDER

Varieties: bacon, mushrooms or leaf lettuce and tomato

Calories: 720-860

Fat grams: 36-48