The Estonian Government Approved Preparations for the Privatization of Omniva
At today’s cabinet meeting, the Government of the Republic of Estonia — the owner of Omniva — approved the start of preparations for privatizing the state-owned company. The aim of the possible privatization is to strengthen Omniva’s competitiveness and service quality by increasing its ability to invest, while at the same time reducing the state’s business risk. Even if Omniva is privatized, the state will continue to guarantee the availability of postal services across Estonia.
The decision launches a phase of analysis and planning during which external financial and legal advisors will help develop the best possible privatization plan from both the state’s and Omniva’s perspective. Based on the results of this process, the government will decide in 2026 whether and in what form to proceed with the privatization.
According to Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras, 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,“ said Terras.
“Postal services must keep pace with changes in society and technology. The way people communicate and shop has completely transformed over the past decade. Postal services must also adapt — becoming more flexible, customer-focused, and innovative,” Terras emphasized.
For Estonian people, Terras added, the most important thing 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.
“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,“ said Omniva CEO Martti Kuldma.
Omniva serves customers in all three Baltic states and operates as an international logistics network in more than ten countries. In 2024, the company’s revenue totalled 141 million euros, with the universal postal service accounting for about 7 percent. The current contract for providing the universal postal service runs until 2029.
