BHD (Berhad): Definition, What It Indicates and Example Companies Definition Berhad (abbreviated Bhd or BHD) is the suffix used in Malaysia to designate a public limited company. It indicates a company that issues shares and is subject to public financial reporting requirements. The suffix Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd or SDN BHD) denotes a private limited company. Key characteristics of Bhd companies
* Public limited company status — can have an unlimited number of shareholders (minimum two).
* Stricter disclosure — required to publish financial statements for public inspection.
* Capital access — greater ability to raise funds via public equity and debt markets.
* Listing optional — many Bhd companies list on a stock exchange, but listing is not mandatory.
Share issuance and shareholder liability
* Both Bhd and Sdn Bhd companies issue shares.
* Shareholders’ liability is limited to any unpaid amount on their shares.
* Other Malaysian company forms include companies limited by guarantee (often nonprofits), public societies, and unlimited liability corporations (ULC).
Bhd vs Sdn Bhd (private limited)
* Shareholder limits:
* Bhd: minimum 2 shareholders, no maximum.
* Sdn Bhd: 2–50 shareholders.
* Reporting and public access:
* Bhd: must disclose financial statements publicly.
* Sdn Bhd: reporting requirements are less stringent.
* Transfer and capital restrictions (common for Sdn Bhd):
* Articles of Association often restrict share transfers.
* Sdn Bhd cannot invite public subscriptions for shares or debentures or collect public deposits.
* Typical company sizes:
* Sdn Bhd: often small to mid-sized enterprises.
* Bhd: typically larger corporations.
Real-world examples Several Malaysian Bhd companies appear on global company rankings. Examples include:
Maybank Bhd
Tenaga Nasional Bhd
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd
Public Bank Bhd
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd
RHB Bank Bhd
Axiata Group Bhd
Sime Darby Bhd
Hong Leong Financial Group Bhd
Sime Darby Plantation Bhd
Maxis Bhd
Genting Bhd
* AmBank Group Bhd Takeaways
* Bhd (Berhad) denotes a Malaysian public limited company with stronger disclosure obligations and broader access to capital than a Sdn Bhd (private limited company).
* Sdn Bhd companies are typically more restricted in shareholder numbers and public fundraising.
* Choosing between Bhd and Sdn Bhd affects governance, reporting, capital-raising options, and shareholder restrictions.
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Berhad (Bhd)
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