Which is the largest privately owned company in the world?

The largest privately owned company in the world, based on 2021 revenue, is Trafigura Group.

Trafigura Group, a multinational commodity trading firm, reported an impressive revenue of $231 billion in 2021, solidifying its position as the leading privately held company globally by this measure. Headquartered in Singapore, Trafigura is a dominant player in the supply and trading of base metals, bulk minerals, and energy products worldwide.

Unlike publicly traded corporations, privately owned companies like Trafigura are not listed on stock exchanges and maintain a more concentrated ownership structure. This often allows them greater flexibility in long-term strategic planning without the immediate pressures of public shareholder demands or quarterly reporting.

The landscape of the world's largest private companies encompasses a diverse range of industries, from essential commodity trading to expansive retail operations and cutting-edge technology. Here's a look at some of the top privately owned companies globally by their 2021 revenue:

Note: The specific ranking of privately owned companies can fluctuate depending on the financial metrics used (e.g., revenue, assets) and the year of data collection. The figures presented above are based on 2021 revenue data. For more detailed insights into global private companies, refer to resources from financial data providers such as Eqvista.