public offering

(Economics) offer of stock that were previously offered for sale to the general public (and not through the regular market); appeal to the public to buy securities or goods

Used in the context of general equities. Offering to the investment public, after registration requirements of the S.E.C. have been complied with, usually by an investment banker or a syndicate made up of several investment bankers, at a public offering price agreed upon between the issuer and the investment bankers. Antithesis of private placement. See primary distribution and secondary distribution.