Nov 3 (Reuters) - Starbucks ( SBUX ) said on Monday it

has agreed to sell control of its China operations to investment

firm Boyu Capital in a deal valued at $4 billion.

Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks ( SBUX ) will operate a joint

venture with Boyu holding a up to 60% interest in Starbucks ( SBUX )

retail operations in China. Starbucks ( SBUX ) will retain a 40% interest

in the joint venture and will continue to own and license the

Starbucks brand and intellectual property to the new entity, the

companies said.