Draghi Aims for Tighter Control of Italy’s Takeover Defenses

  • Rome has stepped up vetting of deals in strategic sectors
  • Oversight body set for shake-up, with larger role for premier

Mario Draghi

Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg
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Prime Minister Mario Draghi is seeking to improve and streamline Italy’s vetting of foreign takeover bids at a time of heightened competition between China and western countries -- and he wants to wield more power in the oversight process.

An inter-ministerial committee that manages the state’s use of so-called Golden Power legislation to safeguard key sectors is now in Draghi’s cross-hairs, people familiar with the matter said.