Private equity firm Berkshire Partners increased its ownership of Atlanta-based Carter's, a children's clothing company, and said it may try to take the company private.

Berkshire Partners now owns 13.2 percent of Carter's common stock, up from 11.2 percent in November. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the firm said it intends to communicate with Carter's management and its board of directors about ways to enhance shareholder value.

That could include corporate transactions, including going private, the filing said. Discussions may also include a review of Carter's strategic activities, how its balance sheet is managed and other organizational assessments.

Berkshire Partners, which is based in Boston, will communicate with company leaders directly or through intermediaries, the filing said.