The Russian government has decided to sell its 17.8 percent stake in steel giant Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) before the end of this year, Itar-Tass news agency reported on Monday.
The privatisation, expected to bring the state more than $500 million, had been originally slated for 2004, but the Economy Ministry said last week that the sale was likely to be put off until next year.
Itar-Tass quoted government officials as saying Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov had already signed all the necessary documents paving the way for the sale in 2004.