Publicly Hidden Company

A Publicly Hidden Company is a privately owned commercial body, consisting of 10 separate businesses or more, with a value of over US$100million that is hidden from the public view. The individual businesses must stay visible to the public, however the ownership is hidden amongst the STOCK market. For example, It is not said the individual owns the companies, but the Publicly Hidden Company does.

In order for a commercial body to qualify to be a PHC (Publicly Hidden Company) the body must meet certain criteria. Firstly the body must have good reason for wanting to be a PHC. This is normally for personal security; it is seen to be appropriate when an individual holds so much ownership that his/her identity be hidden. Being a PHC also makes it harder for fraudulent activity to be committed against the company.

PHC's have been highly criticised by the international community as some feel it is consumer's rights to know who owns the company from where they shop. Also, although internal security of companies under a PHC is increased, should an individual who owns a PHC be fraudulent, it is harder to detect.

By the very nature of a PHC no-one knows how many exist. Recently dispersed PHC's include:

'Very Wild Side' worth US$11.6 Billion in 1985 : Owned by the late Billion heir Richard Green. businesses said to include Soviet Union Public Utilities. Dispersed after going bankrupt.

'The Adelphie Group' worth US$35Billion in 2002: Owned by Anonymous. Businesses said to include Tesco, Britannia, Greece Yachting, Ford, BMW, Top Man. Dispersed (hear-say) by owner to help stabilise the international economy.

'Sha Taik' worth US$40.2 Billion in 2005: Owned by Anonymous. Businesses said to include legitimate Military Arms research,. Dispersed (hear-say) to support Chinese Government and for personal situation.