The Belizean government’s landmark public offering of Hydro Belize Limited shares has concluded with exceptional investor enthusiasm, recording oversubscription by approximately 500,000 shares. Preliminary data indicates applications reached roughly 4.5 million shares, significantly surpassing the four million shares initially available to investors at BZ$29 per share, translating to over $130 million in total application value.
The offering represented 50% of the company’s total issued shares, with the government confirming it will fulfill all excess demand by allocating additional shares from its retained 50% stake. The investment initiative attracted nearly 2,000 individual investors alongside more than 60 corporate entities, including major institutional participants such as the Belize Social Security Board, multiple credit unions, and private sector pension funds.
Successful applicants have until February 4, 2026, to finalize payments, with share transfers and certificate issuance scheduled following the payment closure period. In a parallel development, the government announced Hydro Belize Limited’s forthcoming bond issuance program designed to repurchase and cancel the state’s remaining shares. This strategic maneuver enables full government cost recovery while creating new debt investment opportunities, with complete divestment targeted by February 28, 2026.
Post-divestment, Hydro Belize Limited will transition to full private sector ownership with approximately 2,000 public shareholders. The company, previously operating as Fortis Belize Limited, maintains ownership and operational control over three hydroelectric facilities along the Macal River in the Cayo District. These installations collectively generate 51.2 megawatts of rated capacity, currently supplying 30-35% of Belize’s national electricity requirements.