RP Data, a leading supplier of commercial and residential property information, and valuation services, announced yesterday that it had received a takeover offer from US financial and property analytics company CoreLogic.RP Data's independent directors issued a statement saying they unanimously supported the cash offer of $1.65 a share, which represents a premium of 68 per cent over RP Data's volume-weighted average price over the past month.CoreLogic will also pay a special dividend of five cents per share.The offer price values RP Data at more than 24 times its forecast 2011 net profit.RP Data's chairman, Ian Fraser, who chaired the independent board committee that conducted negotiations with the bidder, said CoreLogic made its approach late last year.The takeover will be done by way of a scheme of arrangement and will require the approval of a majority of shareholders.Fraser said an explanatory memorandum, including an independent expert's report, would be sent to shareholders in March. A 'scheme' meeting is scheduled for April 14.CoreLogic has been involved with RP Data for a number of years. It was a cornerstone investor in RP Data's initial public offering in 2006, taking up 40 per cent of the company prior to its listing.It has a strategic alliance with RP Data that involves the transfer of intellectual property to the Australian company.Speaking at a media and analyst briefing yesterday, Fraser said he expected it would be business as usual for RP Data if the takeover goes ahead.CoreLogic's chief executive, Anand Nallathambi, said in a statement: "The RP Data transaction is a key step in CoreLogic's plan to pursue further international expansion, with RP Data providing a strong management team and exceptional staff that form a solid platform for growth in Australia and New Zealand and throughout the Asia-Pacific region."In a separate announcement yesterday, RP Data confirmed plans to sell Megaw & Hogg National Valuers - a business it acquired as part of a larger acquisition last year.