Small industry taps Boccia

(ANSA) - Rome, February 4 - Confindustria's small-industry chapter on Thursday tapped Campania businessman Vincenzo Boccia as candidate to lead the employers' group when current president Giorgio Squinzi steps down later this year. Boccia will now have to say whether he will accept the nomination. On Wednesday Bolognese industrialist Alberto Vacchi formally presented his candidacy to replace Squinzi. He was the first candidate to tell a three-strong panel of 'wise men' of his intention to run. The recently appointed panel will now vet the bid to see if it fulfills a set of criteria. The Italian media has been full of speculation about other possible candidates.
    Businessman Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone is said to be among the contenders along with Mediaset board member Gina Nieri and Giuseppe Pasini, former president of Federacciai, which represents iron and steel companies based in Italy.
    Other names on the rumoured list include Sicilian builder Giuseppe Catanzaro, Marche lighting company chief Adolfo Guzzini, Giorgio Marsiaj, Luca Moschini and Valentino Vascellari.
    Three names will be shortlisted before the president is finally chosen in March, to be installed at the end of May as Squinzi's successor.