The decision to pursue a sale to other private equity firms could underscore uncertainty by its owners over how the stock market would value Neiman, as well as a desire to monetize on their investment more quickly. Last month, Neiman rivals Saks Inc ( SKS ) and Nordstrom Inc ( JWN ) each reported disappointing sales gains for the second quarter, raising concerns that even high-end shoppers were cutting back on spending. Saks, which agreed in July to be sold to Hudson's Bay Co (HBC.TO) for $2.4 billion, as well as Neiman and Nordstrom, have largely stopped opening new department stores, instead focusing on their respective bargain outlet chains. Neiman returned to its pre-financial crisis sales levels this year, reporting revenues of $4.5 billion in the 12 months ending April 27, up 6.5 percent from a year ago, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of $623 million.