Public Company A public company is a company which is not a private company.

The minimum number of members is two, with no limit on maximum numbers. Public companies have the advantage of being able to offer its shares and debentures to the public in order to raise capital. Public limited companies have the word Berhad (Bhd.) as part of, and at the end of, their names. Many large companies seek a listing on the stock exchange and, if listed are referred to as listed companies. All listed companies are public companies but not all public companies are listed companies. Private Company A private company is one which is prohibited from inviting the public to subscribe for any of its shares or debentures. The number of shareholders is restricted to a maximum of fifty and there is a restriction on the transfer of shares. Many family-owned business and small businesses are registered as private companies. Ownership is usually retained within its family members. Private companies are required to add the words Sendirian Berhad (or Sdn. Bhd.) as part of, and at the end of, their names.