What type of company is limited by shares or guarantee but does not offer securities to the public?

A company that is limited by shares or guarantee but does not offer its securities to the public is classified as a private company. This type of company is characterized by having a restricted number of shareholders and operates under certain regulations that differ from public companies, particularly in terms of reporting and disclosure obligations.

Private companies have shares that are not available for sale to the general public, which allows them to maintain a greater level of privacy regarding their financial information and operations. This structure is often appealing to business owners who wish to exert direct control over their company without the pressures and regulatory demands that come with public company status.

In contrast, public companies are required to offer their securities to the public, which entails more extensive regulatory oversight and obligations. A joint venture typically refers to a temporary partnership formed between two or more entities to undertake a specific project, and a franchise is a business arrangement where one party grants another the rights to operate using its brand and business model. These options do not fit the definition of a company limited by shares or guarantee, reinforcing the correctness of identifying a private company as the appropriate answer.