Uzbekistan Extends Deadline for Mobiuz Privatization Offers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Assets Management Agency of Uzbekistan (SAMA) has announced an extension for the submission of binding offers (BO) for the privatization of 100% of mobile operator Universal Mobile Systems (Mobiuz). The new deadline for submissions is 20 April 2026, at 23:59 Tashkent time.

SAMA emphasized that the goal of the privatization is to maximize economic benefit for the country. Certain auction parameters may be adjusted to achieve the best results in a competitive environment. Advisors from KPMG and Rothschild & Co will provide participants with individual letters detailing the procedure. The agency, together with the consultants, will ensure transparency and keep participants and the public informed throughout the process.

Public bidding for the Mobiuz stake began in June 2025. On the first stage, consultants received 15 expressions of interest (EoI) from local and international investors from the US, Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Asia.

In November, 10 non-binding price offers were submitted, after which seven candidates advanced to the final stage of submitting binding offers. Six submitted their BOs by December 19. Following the analysis, three participants were selected as the best in terms of price and deal conditions and given time to improve their proposals by January 23. The April extension allows these participants to submit enhanced offers.

Universal Mobile Systems provides mobile and internet services under the Mobiuz brand in GSM, UMTS, and 4G LTE standards. In 2024, the company reported net revenue of 2.086 trillion soms and 7.8 million subscribers.

The company was initially established through an agreement with MTS, which sold its share in 2016. In 2018, the state entity “Digital Trust” became the sole owner, and after its liquidation in 2021, the Ministry of Digital Development took over.

Mobiuz privatization is part of the 2022 state program, with a new decree on state asset sales, including the company, issued in April 2025. According to Bloomberg, Uzbekistan expects to raise approximately US$300 million from the sale.

Potential investors have already shown interest, including parties from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Europe.