Li Ka-shing, chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd. [File photo]

Eversholt had core earnings (EBITDA) of 263.2 million pounds in 2013, according to its website. The price of 2.5 billion pounds values Eversholt at about 9.5 times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization.

CKI also looked at Dublin-based aircraft lessor Awas, while other Asian buyers have sought out Western deals. Last year Reuters reported that China Investment Corp and AVIC, a Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense company, had been in talks to acquire private equity-backed Irish aircraft leasing firm Avolon.

CKI was advised by RBC. 3i was advised by Rothschild, Morgan Stanley by Citi, and STAR Capital by Macquarie, two sources said.