Private Company: Definition, Features, Key Differences and  More

A private company is a privately-owned business entity that does not sell shares to the general public. Unlike public companies, which have a lot of shareholders and are listed in one or more stock exchanges, private companies have only a limited number of shareholders, not listed in any of the exchanges, and are much easier in their operations, especially in small and medium-sized companies. Private companies come with several benefits that have no match. The benefit is the greater control exerted by the owners and fewer regulatory requirements, hence having limited liability. Discuss the features, benefits, disadvantages of a private company and the differences between the two.

Key Characteristics of a Private Company

Generally, the shareholders of a private company are usually less in number, and its ownership stakes are not listed or publicly traded, which means higher privacy and control over its decision-making. Its governance is often more flexible because there are fewer regulatory requirements in comparison to public companies. Yet, it must comply with local business laws and regulations.

a) Limited Shareholders

• Ownership Structure: A private company has a limited number of shareholders, typically ranging from 2 to 50 members.
• Restriction on Share Transfer: Shares of a private company are not freely transferable. The company’s articles of association often impose restrictions on the transfer of shares.
  • Example: A family-owned business might restrict shares to family members, preventing outsiders from purchasing stock.

b) Limited Liability

• Liability Protection: One of the key advantages of a private company is that shareholders have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected from business debts and legal claims.
  • Example: If the company faces financial difficulties, shareholders’ losses are limited to the amount they invested.

c) No Public Trading of Shares

• Stock Exchange Listing: Private companies do not offer their shares for sale to the general public. Shares are privately held and are not traded on stock exchanges.
  • Example: A tech startup may remain privately held and not go public through an IPO (Initial Public Offering).

d) Flexible Management

• Decision-Making: Private companies tend to have fewer regulatory requirements and more flexibility in their management structure compared to public companies.
  • Example: The owners or a small board of directors typically manage the business, making decisions without the pressure of public shareholder input.

Advantages of a Private Company

Private companies can provide more control and flexibility so that owners have the ability to make decisions without the stress of public shareholders. Further, they are entitled to limited liability, which safeguards personal assets, and usually have a leaner operational structure.

a) Greater Control for Owners

• Ownership and Management: In a private company, the owners (or shareholders) have greater control over the direction and operations of the business.
  • Example: A private company’s owners may choose the management team and make decisions quickly without the need for shareholder approval.

b) Limited Regulatory Requirements

• Less Bureaucracy: Private companies face fewer reporting and regulatory obligations compared to public companies. They are not required to disclose financials to the public.
  • Example: A private company may not have to file quarterly earnings reports with the SEC or undergo the same level of scrutiny as public companies.

c) Financial Privacy

• Confidentiality: Since private companies do not have to disclose financial data publicly, they can maintain greater financial privacy.
  • Example: Private companies are not obligated to share their earnings, assets, or liabilities with competitors or the general public.

d) Easier Decision-Making

• Less Complex: With fewer shareholders and a smaller management team, private companies can make business decisions more quickly and efficiently.
  • Example: A private company may be able to pivot its business model or enter new markets without extensive shareholder approval processes.

Disadvantages of a Private Company

The advantages that private companies provide are limited liability, greater control, and flexibility in decision-making. On the other hand, some of the challenges are limited access to capital, stricter regulatory requirements, and the need for careful succession planning and management.

a) Limited Access to Capital

• Capital Raising Challenges: One of the biggest drawbacks of a private company is its limited ability to raise capital. Unlike public companies that can issue shares to the public, private companies often rely on private investors, loans, or retained earnings.
  • Example: A private company may struggle to secure large-scale funding from the market, relying instead on venture capital or angel investors.

b) Share Transfer Restrictions

• Limited Liquidity: As shares cannot be easily transferred, it can be challenging for shareholders to exit the business or sell their holdings.
  • Example: If a shareholder wants to sell their shares, they may need the approval of other shareholders or may have to wait for a buyer within a small pool of potential buyers.

c) Less Public Visibility

• Marketing and Growth Limitations: Without the visibility and public recognition that comes with being listed on a stock exchange, private companies may find it more difficult to attract attention from potential customers or investors.
  • Example: A private company may have to invest more in marketing to build brand awareness compared to a publicly traded company that receives media exposure.

d) Potential for Ownership Disputes

• Conflicts Between Shareholders: With fewer shareholders, there can be a greater potential for disagreements and conflicts over management decisions, ownership distribution, or company direction.
  • Example: Family-run businesses may experience tensions between family members over control and profit-sharing.

Private Company vs Public Company

Understanding the key differences between private and public companies is crucial for business owners as these structures vary in ownership, regulatory requirements, and capital-raising methods. While private companies limit ownership to a select group, public companies trade shares openly, offering greater access to funding but with stricter compliance obligations.

Aspect	Private Company	Public Company
Ownership	Limited number of shareholders	Shares available to the general public
Liability	Limited liability to shareholders	Limited liability to shareholders
Regulation	Less regulatory oversight	Heavily regulated by stock exchanges and government bodies
Capital Raising	Limited to private funding sources	Can raise capital through public share offerings
Transparency	Limited financial disclosure	Must disclose financials publicly
Management	Managed by owners or a small board	Managed by a board of directors with input from shareholders

a) Key Differences

• Ownership: Private companies are privately owned, while public companies are owned by shareholders who can buy and sell shares on the stock market.
• Capital Access: Public companies can access capital by issuing shares to the public, whereas private companies rely on private investors or loans.
• Regulatory Burden: Public companies are subject to stricter regulations, including periodic financial disclosures and compliance with stock exchange rules.

Legal Requirements for Starting a Private Company

Generally, the creation of a private company entails choosing a business name and registering it with the necessary government agencies, and then preparing appropriate legal documents, such as articles of incorporation or an operating agreement. Moreover, the company should be in compliance with local taxes, licensing, and regulations to be allowed to operate legally.

a) Company Name and Registration

• Naming: The first step is choosing a unique name for the company that is not already in use.
• Registration: After selecting a name, the company must register with the appropriate government body or corporate affairs office.

b) Articles of Association

• Governing Document: The company must prepare articles of association that outline the internal management structure, rights of shareholders, and rules for running the business.

c) Shareholders and Directors

• Minimum Requirements: Most jurisdictions require at least one shareholder and one director. However, many private companies have multiple shareholders and a board of directors.

d) Capital Requirements

• Initial Capital: Private companies may need to specify the amount of capital they plan to raise or contribute to the business at the time of incorporation.

A private company provides excellent benefits, like limited liability, greater control and less compliance with regulatory requirements; it will be an ideal option for many entrepreneurs and small-scale business proprietors. On the negative side, although a private company may have various disadvantages of capital raising and lack of shareholder liquidity, it affords them a flexible and confidentially oriented platform to maintain all their managerial control over the operational management. The choice between a private company and other forms of business structures, such as partnerships or public companies, depends on the goals, resources, and long-term vision of the business. For entrepreneurs who want privacy, protection, and flexibility, a private company is usually the best fit.

Private Company FAQs

What is a private company?

A private company is a business entity owned by a small number of shareholders, with its shares not available to the public. It offers limited liability and more flexible management compared to public companies.

How does a private company differ from a public company?

A private company has limited shareholders and does not trade its shares publicly, while a public company can raise capital by selling shares on stock exchanges.

What are the benefits of a private company?

Private companies offer greater control, limited liability, less regulatory burden, and privacy in financial matters.

Can a private company raise capital?

Yes, private companies can raise capital through private investors, venture capital, or by issuing shares to a small group of investors.

What are the legal requirements to form a private company?

To form a private company, one must register the company name, prepare articles of association, appoint shareholders and directors, and contribute initial capital as required by local laws.