In this article, we will discuss the 30 most valuable private companies in the world. If you want to explore similar companies, you can also take a look at 10 of the World’s Most Valuable Private Companies.
A private company is a type of business entity that is owned by private investors or shareholders whose shares of stock are not offered for sale to the public. The primary benefit of operating as a private company is that the owners have more control over the operations and management of the company. Private companies are not required to publicly disclose financial information, which allows them greater flexibility in their operations. This can make it easier for a company to pursue business strategies that may not be feasible for public companies. Additionally, the ownership structure of a private company can be less complicated and more straightforward than that of a public company.
In some cases, private companies may choose to remain private in order to avoid the costs and hassle of going public. Other private companies may pursue an initial public offering (IPO) in order to raise capital for growth or expansion. However, this process can be costly and time consuming, and may not be suitable for all companies.
The most valuable private companies in the world are those that have managed to build up a considerable amount of wealth and have been able to maintain their status as privately owned entities. These companies have managed to weather the storms of the global economy and have maintained their success in spite of the difficulties and competition that may come their way.
From technology giants to retail companies, these businesses have built up their fortunes and have become some of the most powerful and influential companies in the world. Some of the most valuable private companies in the world are giving competition to mega-caps like Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), in terms of revenue. Here, we take a look at some of the most valuable private companies in the world and how they have achieved their success.
Our Methodology
We sifted through lists of the largest and most valuable private companies in the world that are published by credible business magazines such as Forbes and Fortune. We then looked for each company’s financial reports on its official website and other reliable resources.
Since private companies are not required to disclose their financial information publicly, it can become difficult to estimate the true value of the business. There are various ways of valuing a private company. In our case, we used the annual revenue of each company’s most recent fiscal year to value it. These companies are ranked in ascending order of their annual revenue for their most recent fiscal year, sourced from Forbes’ lists and official annual reports.
30 of the World’s Most Valuable Private Companies
30. INEOS Group Limited
Annual Revenue: $20.38 Billion
INEOS Group Limited is a multinational chemical company headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. It is one of the world’s largest chemical companies and has operations in 29 countries across the world. The company was founded in 1998 and is now among the most valuable privately owned companies in the world. In 2021, the company’s annual revenue crossed $20 billion.
INEOS Group Limited produces a variety of petrochemicals, including petrol, diesel, naphtha, and ethylene, as well as specialty chemicals, such as ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and polypropylene. It also produces polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene plastics.
29. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
Annual Revenue: $30.45 Billion
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) is a Fortune 500 company that has been in the life insurance business for well above 150 years. MassMutual offers a wide range of life insurance products, including individual, group, and retirement plans. According to the company’s financial report, in 2021, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company reported an annual revenue of $30.45 billion.
While MassMutual is one of the world’s most valuable private companies, some of the world’s most valuable public companies include Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).
28. Cedar Holdings Group
Annual Revenue: $33.8 Billion
Cedar Holdings Group is a Chinese financial services and asset management company that conducts business through six segments: Gongtongyun Supply Chain Group, Chemical Industry Group, Cedar Culture & Tourism Group, King vision Group, Community Ecological Operation Group, and Financial Services Group. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Guangzhou, China. The company’s annual revenue in 2021 amounted to $33.8 billion.
27. Reyes Holdings, LLC
Annual Revenue: $35.3 Billion
Reyes Holdings, LLC is a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois. Founded in 1976 by brothers Chris Reyes and Jude Reyes, the company is one of the largest beer distributors in the United States. The company has over 30,000 employees and operates in the United States, Europe and Asia. Reyes Holdings, LLC is among the world’s most valuable private businesses with annual revenue exceeding $35 billion.
26. H-E-B
Annual Revenue: $38.9 Billion
H-E-B is a regional supermarket chain based in San Antonio, Texas. Founded in 1905 by Florence Butt, the company has grown to become one of the most valuable privately held companies in the world. With over 420 stores in Texas and Mexico, H-E-B is one of the largest grocery store chains in Texas and the United States. The company’s annual revenue is roughly $39 billion.
25. ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Annual Revenue: $41.32 Billion
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a global automotive and industrial supplier headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It is among the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers. ZF Friedrichshafen AG produces driveline components, transmissions, chassis components, steering systems, and suspension components for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It also produces components for industrial, aerospace, and marine applications. ZF Friedrichshafen AG is among the most valuable private companies in the world, with annual revenue crossing $41 billion.
24. Pilot Company
Annual Revenue: $41.9 Billion
Pilot Company is a Tennessee-based convenience store operator. Founded in 1958, Pilot Company has grown to become one of the most valuable privately-held companies in the world, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. As of 2023, Pilot Company operates over 800 retail and fueling stores.
23. SPAR
Annual Revenue: $44.45 Billion
SPAR is an international retail chain that was established in the Netherlands in 1932 by Adriaan van Well. Today, the company has over 13,600 stores in 48 countries across four continents. SPAR is known for its convenience stores that offer a wide range of products and services. SPAR is one of the most valuable private companies in the world, with annual revenue of more than $44 billion.
22. Mars, Incorporated
Annual Revenue: $45 Billion
Mars, Incorporated is an American global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products founded in 1911 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The company is one of the most valuable privately held corporations in the world, producing some of the world’s most recognizable brands, such as M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, and Pedigree. Mars, Incorporated also owns a number of other brands, including Wrigley, Ben’s Original, and Whiskas.
21. Ernst & Young Global Limited
Annual Revenue: $45.4 Billion
Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY) is a multinational professional services firm headquartered in London, England. It is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms and is also among the largest professional services network in the world by revenue. Ernst & Young Global Limited provides assurance, tax, consulting, and transaction advisory services to clients. Ernst & Young Global Limited is one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
20. Publix Super Markets
Annual Revenue: $48 Billion
Publix Super Markets is an employee-owned, American supermarket chain with over 1,280 stores in the United States. Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, Publix Super Markets is a privately held company and is the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States. The company’s annual revenue borders $50 billion.
19. IKEA
Annual Revenue: $48.13 Billion
IKEA is a leading global home furnishing company that is known for its stylish yet affordable furniture. Founded in Sweden in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, IKEA has become an iconic brand and the world’s largest furniture retailer. IKEA offers a wide variety of furniture, home accessories, and kitchenware at reasonable prices. The company has a unique approach to selling its products, which is centered around self-assembly. This allows customers to save money on labor costs and gives them the satisfaction of putting together their own furniture.
18. Liberty Mutual Insurance Group
Annual Revenue: $48.2 Billion
Liberty Mutual Insurance Group is a global leader in providing insurance services. Founded in 1912, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States and one of the most valuable private companies in the world, with annual revenue exceeding $48 billion.
17. PricewaterhouseCoopers
Annual Revenue: $50.29 Billion
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is one of the world’s leading professional services networks, providing assurance, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in London in 1854 and has since grown to become one of the world’s largest professional services firms, with offices in over 150 countries and employing over 325,000 people. PricewaterhouseCoopers has a wide array of services and solutions tailored to the needs of business owners and executives, ranging from financial and risk management to technology and human capital.
16. New York Life Insurance Company
Annual Revenue: $51.2 Billion
New York Life Insurance Company is a Fortune 500 mutual life insurance company that is headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 1845 and is the third-largest life insurer in the United States. As of fiscal 2021, New York Life Insurance Company has $760 billion in assets under management and an annual revenue of $51.2 billion.
15. Nationwide
Annual Revenue: $52.9 Billion
Nationwide is a Columbus-based insurance and financial services company. The company has grown to become one of the largest and most successful insurance companies in the world. Nationwide is recognized as a Fortune 100 company and a leading provider of life insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, business insurance and financial services. Nationwide has its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, and is one of the largest employers in the city.
14. CMA CGM
Annual Revenue: $56 Billion
CMA CGM is a leading shipping company specializing in container shipping and related services. Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Marseille, France, and operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. CMA CGM is one of the most valuable privately held companies in the world, with an annual revenue of $56 billion.
13. Deloitte
Annual Revenue: $59.3 Billion
Accounting giant Deloitte is one of the largest professional services networks in the world. It provides audit, tax, consulting, financial advisory and risk management services to global organizations. Founded in 1845, Deloitte has grown to become a leading professional services provider with more than 415,000 professionals in over 150 countries.
12. ByteDance
Annual Revenue: $61.7 Billion
Chinese internet technology company, ByteDance, is most known for its viral platform TikTok. Founded in 2012, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest technology companies in the world, by revenue. ByteDance is headquartered in Beijing and has offices around the world, including in the United States, India, and Japan.
Some of the most valuable tech companies in the world include ByteDance, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).
11. State Farm
Annual Revenue: $82.2 Billion
State Farm is an American insurance and financial services company that is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. It is among the largest property and casualty insurers in the United States and is also one of the most valuable private companies in the world. Founded in 1922, State Farm offers a wide range of insurance products, including auto, homeowners, life, health, and business insurance, as well as banking and investment services.
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Disclosure: None. 30 of the World’s Most Valuable Private Companies is originally published on Insider Monkey.