Saipem in Early Talks to Sell Subsea Drone Assets to Fincantieri

Saipem SpA is in preliminary talks to sell some robotics and underwater assets to shipbuilder Fincantieri SpA ahead of its merger with Norway’s Subsea 7 SA, according to people familiar with the matter.

Italy’s government is playing a role in the process to ensure strategic assets remain within the country, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private deliberations. They added that the talks are tentative and could fall apart, as Saipem considers the scope of any disposal, and whether to pursue a sale or to find a joint venture partner.