By Giulia Petroni

Eni SpA and CDP Industria SpA said Friday that they will propose the appointment of Silvia Merlo as chairman of Saipem SpA along with five other candidates for the company's board of directors at the next shareholders' meeting.

The two companies said their joint slate includes Ms. Merlo, Francesco Caio, Alessandra Ferone, Pier Francesco Ragni, Marco Reggiani and Paola Tagliavini as members of the board. They added that Mr. Caio is considered to have the required skills to be appointed chief executive officer of the company.

Eni holds a 30.54% stake in Saipem, while CDP Industria--which is owned by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti SpA--has a 12.55% stake in the company.

Saipem is scheduled to hold its shareholders' meeting on April 30.

Write to Giulia Petroni at giulia.petroni@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-06-21 0305ET