(Telecompaper) Telstra has agreed to sell a 47.7 percent stake in Chinese online business Autohome to Ping An Insurance Group for USD 1.6 billion. Telstra will retain a 6.5 per cent interest in Autohome after completing the transaction. The sale price of USD 29.55 per share reflects a premium of 12.7 percent to Autohome's volume weighted average price over the past 60 days. Ping An is expected to support Autohome's expansion into the offline car retail market in China, offering its expertise in financing and insurance. Telstra said it expects to book an accounting gain of AUD 1.8 billion in the second half of fiscal 2016. Completion of the sale is subject to Chinese regulatory approvals and Autohome Board approval. Telstra said it will take a "balanced approach in considering the use of these funds, which includes potential capital management options".