Overview
- On July 18, the government formally launched the transfer of 90% of Aguas y Saneamientos Argentinos (AySA) shares to private investors through a mixed national and international bidding process coupled with an IPO.
- Under CNV oversight, the initial 330-day tender will select a strategic operator before a subsequent 90-day public offering opens additional share sales to broader investors.
- AySA employees will maintain a 10% stake via the existing Participated Ownership Program to safeguard worker involvement in the company’s future.
- Officials argue that privatization is needed after more than $13.4 billion in state subsidies since 2006 and rising infrastructure decay, staff growth and user delinquencies.
- This transaction marks the first major sale under President Milei’s Ley de Bases privatization agenda, with other state enterprises lined up for similar transfers.