<P> For many years , newly created companies were privately held but held initial public offering to become publicly traded company or to be acquired by another company if they became larger and more profitable or had promising prospects . More infrequently , some companies -- such as investment banking firm Goldman Sachs and logistics services provider United Parcel Service ( UPS ) -- chose to remain privately held for a long period of time after maturity into a profitable company . </P>
<P> For many years , newly created companies were privately held but held initial public offering to become publicly traded company or to be acquired by another company if they became larger and more profitable or had promising prospects . More infrequently , some companies -- such as investment banking firm Goldman Sachs and logistics services provider United Parcel Service ( UPS ) -- chose to remain privately held for a long period of time after maturity into a profitable company . </P>
the first time a corporation sells its stock to the public is known as an
the first time a corporation sells its stock to the public is known as an
initial public offering
initial public offering