The Estonian government has approved the start of preparations for the potential privatization of national postal and logistics operator Omniva.
The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting on November 13, initiates an analysis phase aimed at determining whether privatization could strengthen the company’s competitiveness and investment capacity while reducing the state’s business risk.
External financial and legal advisers will support the government in developing a detailed privatization plan over the coming year. A final decision on whether, and in what form, to proceed is expected in 2026.
Minister of regional affairs and agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras said, “Omniva has grown from a regional postal service into an international logistics group. To continue expanding, the company needs both the capacity to invest and greater flexibility — something state ownership may not always provide. This preparation phase gives the government a chance to decide how to secure the future of postal services while ensuring Omniva remains competitive.”
Terras stressed that universal service obligations would remain unchanged regardless of ownership: “The most important thing for Estonian people will not change: mail must reach every part of Estonia. No matter who owns the company, the state will remain responsible for ensuring the functioning and quality of the universal postal service.”
Omniva CEO Martti Kuldma added, “Privatization is more than selling state assets – it opens opportunities for the company to grow, compete internationally, make necessary investments, and innovate more boldly. This can lead to a stronger, more globally competitive logistics company that offers customers better, faster and smarter services, while supporting the long-term sustainability of postal services in Estonia, attracting investment and innovation, boosting exports and contributing to economic growth.“
Omniva serves customers in all three Baltic states and operates as an international logistics network in more than 10 countries. In 2024, the company’s revenue totalled €141m (US$167m), with the universal postal service accounting for about 7%. The current contract for providing the universal postal service runs until 2029.
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