5 Largest Private Companies in the World

In this article, we discuss the 5 largest private companies in the world. If you want to see more largest private companies in the world, go directly to 20 Largest Private Companies in the World.

5. Aldi

2021 Revenue: $133.9 billion

2021 Number of Employees: likely over 150,000-200,000

Aldi is a Germany discount grocery store that expects to be the third largest grocer in the United States by the end of 2022. Given it is European, Aldi also has considerable number of stores in Europe. In 2021, Aldi had sales of $133.9 billion, ranking #5 on our list of 20 Largest Private Companies in the World.

4. Schwarz Gruppe

2021 Revenue: 133.6 billion Euros or $144.60 billion under current exchange rates

2021 Number of Employees: 500,000

Schwarz Gruppe, also known as Schwarz Group, is one of the world’s largest retailers. In 2021, Schwarz Gruppe had sales of 133.6 billion euros or $144.6 billion under current exchange rates. In the same year, the company had 500,000 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in the world.

3. Cargill

2022 Revenue: $165 billion

2022 Number of Employees: 155,000

Cargill is a leading producer and distributor of agricultural products such as sugar, refined oil, chocolate, and turkey. Having started as a grain storage facility, the company is now the largest private company in the United States with 2022 sales of $165 billion and 155,000 employees.

2. Trafigura

2021 Revenue: $231 billion

2020 Number of Employees: 8,619

Trafigura is a leading commodities trading company with revenue of $231 billion in 2021. In 2020, Trafigura also had 8,619 employees. Trafigura describes itself, “Through our oil, metals, power & renewables and shipping divisions, we’ve built a global trading operation. As one of the world’s largest independent trading firms, we connect counterparties around the world. We do that by balancing supply and demand, optimising supply chains and configuring our business around their needs. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, being ready to respond swiftly to shifting patterns of demand is a key differentiator. We ensure we have the resources and agility to build long-term value with our customers in fast-changing markets.”

1. Vitol

2021 Revenue: $279 billion

2021 Number of Employees: 1,500+

Vitol is an energy and commodities company that ranks #1 on our list of 20 Largest Private Companies in the World with 2021 revenue of $279 billion. The company describes itself, “for over 55 years Vitol has served the world’s energy markets, distributing and delivering energy efficiently to growing economies worldwide.” As of 2021, Vitol had over 1,500 employees.

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