Private companies are businesses owned by individuals or groups, rather than by the government or the public. They can be small, like a local bakery, or large, like a multinational corporation. Private companies do not sell shares to the public, which means they are not required to disclose as much financial information as public companies. These companies can operate in various industries, including technology, retail, and manufacturing. They often focus on generating profit for their owners and may reinvest earnings back into the business. Examples of private companies include Coca-Cola, Dell Technologies, and Mars, Incorporated.