Chinese firms in race to buy AWAS

Two Chinese suitors have expressed interest in buying Dublin-based AWAS Aviation Capital Ltd, which is to be sold by 75 percent stakeholder Terra Firma Capital Partners, people familiar with the matter said.

The auction for AWAS could generate more than $5 billion, they said.

ICBC Financial Leasing Co and Aviation Industry Corp of China are exploring a takeover of AWAS, they said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are still private.