The Italian government has blocked reported plans by Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI) to sell the majority stake in an energy services unit to South Korea 's Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. (034020.SE), daily Il Sole 24 Ore reports Friday, without citing its source.

Finmeccanica advisors are now looking at the possibility of state-controlled lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA buying a stake that stops the Koreans from controlling Ansaldo Energia SpA, writes the newspaper. It adds that the government hasn't discussed this option.

The CDP possibility involves the lender buying a stake of between 30% and 35% for between 350 million euros ($460.95 million) and EUR450 million, while Finmeccanica would keep between 20% and 25%, says the paper. Doosan could buy the remaining stake held by another shareholder.

State-controlled Finmeccanica owns 55% of Ansaldo Energia and First Reserve Corp. owns 45%.

The sale of Ansaldo Energia is part of Finmeccanica'a strategy of focusing on its core businesses, namely defense and aerospace, such as AgustaWestland helicopters.

Διαβάστε ακόμα