close company

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. Also called: closed company. a company under the control of its directors or fewer than five independent participants

Example Sentences

They all said that having the close company of good friends at a time of loss and rebirth has been a big help, even as Joe and Bill nurse lingering bitterness about the chaotic evacuation and rapid spread of the fire that upended their lives.

From Los Angeles Times

McKenzie chased his neat kick through to reclaim the ball and offload to Will Jordan, with the touchline for close company, in one movement.

From BBC

One set of prints showed a giant sloth avoiding a group of people, demonstrating that they were in close company.

From New York Times

A commotion in front of the U.S. goal in the 80th minute saw the Netherlands’ Lineth Beerensteyn spill in the close company of two Americans, and a return flight to the United States did seem nigh.

From Washington Post

Trump, who had consistently disregarded guidance from health authorities urging people to wear protective masks in close company, was later admitted to hospital for treatment.

From Reuters