In relation to company share issues, what is a private placement?

A When a company issues shares through the use of a brokerage firm that is a private company

B When a company issues shares to individuals whose name will be withheld from the register of shareholders

C When a company issues shares directly to a specific investor, as opposed to seeking applications for those shares from the general public or existing shareholders

D When a company issues shares without informing existing shareholders or the stock market