The principal difference between public and privately held companies is that public companies have shares that can be publicly traded on a stock market. A privately held company might become a publicly held company by conducting an initial public offering, which is the offering of shares of the company to the public.
The main advantage public companies have is their ability to tap the financial markets by selling stock to raise capital for expansion and projects. The main advantage of private companies is that management doesn’t have to answer to stockholders and isn’t required to file disclosure statements with the SEC. However, a private company can’t dip into the public capital markets and must therefore turn to private funding. It has been said often that private companies seek to minimize the tax bite, while public companies seek to increase profits for shareholders. But Public companies also are faced with the added pressure of the market which may cause them to focus more on short-term results rather than long-term growth. The actions of the company’s management also become increasingly scrutinized as investors constantly look for rising profits. This may lead management to use somewhat questionable practices in order to boost earnings.

Examples: –
Public Company = Colgate Palmolive
Colgate Palmolive Company world wide Net sales of $3,762 million in first quarter 2017, even with the first quarter 2016 level. Global unit volume decreased 2.0%, pricing increased 2.5% and foreign exchange was negative 0.5%. Organic sales grew 0.5%

Private Company = Medline Industries
Medline is one of 11 organizations across the country honored by United Healthcare
Seventh annual Well Deserved award recognizes employers for their commitment to wellness programs that enable employees to take an active role in their health and well-being.