(Telecompaper) BSS provider AsiaInfo-Linkage has agreed a takeover by a group of private investors led by CITIC Capital Partners valuing the company at USD 890 million. The possibility of taking the China-based company private was first discussed in January 2012, and the companies have now agreed a definitive offer worth USD 12 per AsiaInfo share. This is a 52 percent premium on the share price the day before the takeover talks were first announced. A special committee of independent directors as well as AsiaInfo's board of directors are recommending shareholders accept the offer. Closing of the deal depends on shareholder and regulatory approval. The takeover consortium is led by CITIC Capital Partners and Edward Tian, co-founder and a significant stockholder of AsiaInfo-Linkage, and their respective affiliates, including CITIC PE and China Broadband Capital Partners II, which will provide equity financing for the deal.