On 27 May 2026 Argentina launched a formal tender process to privatize Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A. Bids are due 27 August 2026. The Milei administration will transfer 90% of Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A.’s shares to a strategic operator through a hybrid structure combining a competitive public tender and an initial public offering. Up to 10% of share capital will be reserved for employees. The concession will run for 30 years, with a possible 10-year extension. Market estimates place the transaction value at approximately US$500 million.
Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A. provides drinking water and sewage services across the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, serving roughly 14 million people. The company operates a 25,537 km potable water network supported by three water treatment plants, 24 groundwater treatment plants, and 14 pumping stations. Its wastewater network spans 19,012 km with 21 treatment plants and 201 pumping stations.
The privatization is authorized under Law No. 27,742 and Decree No. 494/2025. The full transaction must close within eight months of Resolution 1198/2025 of the Ministry of Economy. Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A. is one of eight state-owned companies earmarked for sale (i.e., privatization) under the Bases Law, alongside entities in energy, freight rail, and nuclear power. The Argentine Senate has approved a motion to consider legislation declaring Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos S.A. of public and strategic interest, though not yet advanced into law.
