The ethics clause in the state-controlled defence group's bylaws would have forced managers indicted of certain financial crimes to step down
ROME, May 15 (Reuters) - Shareholders at Finmeccanica SIFI.MI rejected on Thursday a motion put forward by the government to introduce an ethics clause in the state-controlled defence group's bylaws that would force managers indicted of certain financial crimes to step down.
The new government of Matteo Renzi wants state-controlled companies to eject from their boards any director charged of financial crimes, in a drive to fight corruption and improve corporate accountability.
Shareholders at state-controlled oil major Eni ENI.MI also failed to approve a similar clause in their bylaws at a meeting last week.
The Economy Ministry is Finmeccanica's leading shareholder with a stake of 30.2 percent.
(Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni, writing by Stephen Jewkes, editing by Danilo Masoni)
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