Bell & Howell Co. has agreed to...

Bell & Howell Co. has agreed to a $674.6-million takeover by a group that includes some company executives and Texas financier Robert M. Bass. Directors of the publishing and information services company agreed to a definitive merger agreement with BHW Acquisition Corp. under which $64 would be paid for each share of common and preferred stock. Executives involved in the deal include Gerald E. Schultz, the company’s president and chief executive. At least two other companies had expressed an interest in buying the Skokie, Ill.-based publishing and information services company.