<P> An unlisted public company is a public company that is not listed on any stock exchange . Though the criteria vary somewhat between jurisdictions, a public company is a company that is registered as such and generally has a minimum share capital and a minimum number of shareholders . Each stock exchange has its own listing requirements which a company (or other entity) wishing to be listed must meet . Besides not qualifying to be listed, a public company may choose not to be listed on a stock exchange for a number of reasons, including because it is too small to qualify for a stock exchange listing, does not seek public investors, or there are too few shareholders for a listing . There is a cost to the listed entities, in the listing process and ongoing costs as well as in compliance costs such as the maintenance of a company register . </P> <P> Unlisted public companies are more likely to engage in profit - maximising behavior as their share capital structure makes it very easy to give their members financial returns . </P>

Is it necessary for a public company to be listed