Russian Finance Ministry proposes privatizing shares of 7 major companies in 2026 - deputy minister
MOSCOW. March 18 (Interfax) - The Finance Ministry proposes reducing the state's share in several large companies as part of large-scale privatization in 2026, expecting to replenish the treasury with an amount ranging from 100 billion to 300 billion rubles, Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseyev told journalists.
To implement these plans, preparation must begin now, as it is a lengthy process, he said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said that the Finance Ministry is once again proposing large-scale privatization and considers it timely to revisit this issue.
"There is no list of organizations yet; the government has not approved it. There were 30 [at the end of 2023, the Finance Ministry proposed a list of 30 companies where Russia could reduce its stake], now there has been some trimming, and we have about seven for next year, for 2026. Why are we talking about this now? Because in order to sell in 2026, we really need one and a half years of preparation, meaning not all of these companies are even PJSCs. Obviously, their legal structure and organizational and legal form need to be changed, and investors need to be introduced to them. There are companies that are traded on the market, so it will be easier for them, and there are those that are not traded," Moiseyev said.
He declined to name the industries in which the companies proposed for privatization operate. "There aren't many of them; you'll guess right away. Yesterday, the Central Bank [of Russia] organized a meeting with the heads of our largest companies, where they discussed how market manipulation and insider trading are very dangerous things and can even lead to criminal penalties. Therefore, until an official decision is made and we cannot confirm that these specific companies will be involved, I won't tell you their names," Moiseyev said.
Speaking about potential budget revenues from this privatization in 2026, Moiseyev said, "Based on what we are planning for next year, my estimate is between 100 and 300 billion rubles for the seven companies." This range does not include potential revenues from the sale of assets transferred to the treasury through court decisions and then sold to investors, he said.
The Finance Ministry has already submitted its proposals to the government, which is currently reviewing them. "We went through the agencies, and I must say that most agencies are not very eager to deal with this, but not all; there are agencies that actively support our idea. The government's position is key, and the government, of course, is generally positive," he said.
Moiseyev also spoke about the plans to conduct an IPO of DOM.RF in 2025. This could take place in Q4 or perhaps at the end of Q3, he said. It will depend on the recommendations of consultants regarding windows of opportunity.
