McDonald’s and its franchisees agreed to discount eight popular combo meal offerings by 15%, and offer $5 and $8 specials, the Wall Street Journal reported today, as restaurants look to attract diners worn down by economic woes.

The move follows weeks of discussions between McDonald’s and restaurant operators, including the company offering financial support if franchisees agreed to drop prices, the report said, citing people involved in the discussions.

The chain will run $5 breakfast and $8 Big Mac and McNugget combo meal specials later this year, marketing them as Extra Value Meals, the report said.

McDonald’s declined to comment on a Reuters request. Its shares were up about 1% in morning trading.

Earlier this month, McDonald’s beat Wall Street estimates for second-quarter global c

See Full Page