The Companies Act, 2013 ('Act') regulates the establishment and working of a public limited company. A public limited company offers shares to the general public and has limited liability. Its stock can be acquired by anyone, either privately through Initial Public Offering (IPO) or via trades on the stock market. It is strictly regulated and is required to publish its true financial health to its shareholders.

A public limited company is a business owned by shareholders and managed by directors. Unlike a private company, a public limited company can offer its shares to the public. However, being public comes with additional responsibilities, such as more extensive tax administration and the requirement to make financial reports publicly available. This transparency allows potential investors to make informed decisions before investing. A public limited company is also listed on the stock exchange, meaning it must be more open and transparent about its operations compared to a private company.

Characteristics of a Public Limited Company :-

Directors

As per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 to start a public limited company, a minimum of 3 directors are required and there can be a maximum of 15 directors.

Limited Liability

The liability of each shareholder is limited. A shareholder of a public limited company isn’t personally responsible for any loss or debts of the company for any amount greater than the amount invested by them; contrary to partnerships and sole proprietorships, where the partners and business owners are jointly and severally liable for the debts of the business.

The shareholders will be held responsible for their own illegal actions.

Share Capital

A public limited company is not required to have a minimum paid-up capital. However, it should have an authorised share capital of a minimum of Rs.1 lakh.

Prospectus

There is a requirement under the Act for public limited companies to issue a prospectus. A prospectus is a comprehensive statement of the affairs of the company issued by a public limited company for its public. However, there are no such provisions for private limited companies. This is because private limited companies cannot invite the public to subscribe to their shares.

Name

It is a compulsory requirement under the Act for all public companies to add the word ‘limited’ after their name.

Advantages of Public Limited Companies :-

More capital

Shares are offered to the general public at large i.e. anyone can invest in a public limited company. Hence, improves the capital of the company.

More attention

Being listed on a stock market ensures that mutual funds, hedge funds and other traders take note of the business of the company. This may result in better business opportunities for the public limited company.

Spreading risk

Since the shares are sold to the public at large, the unsystematic risk of the market is spread out.

Growth and expansion opportunities

Due to less risk, there is a perfect opportunity for growing and expanding the business by investing in new projects from the money raised through shares.

Requirements for Registration of a Public Limited Company :-

There are various rules and regulations prescribed under the Act for the formation of a public limited company.  Here is what you should keep in mind when registering a public limited company:

• Minimum 7 shareholders are required to form a public limited company.
• Minimum of 3 directors is required to form a public limited company.
• A minimum authorised share capital of Rs. 1 lakh is required.
• Digital Signature Certificate(DSC) of one of the directors is needed while submitting self-attested copies of identity and address proof.
• Directors of the proposed company will need a Director Identification Number(DIN).
• The name of the company must be as per the provision of the Company Act and Rules.
• Documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA)and duly filled Form DIR - 12 is needed.
• Payment of the prescribed registration fees to the ROC is required.

Documents Required for Incorporating a Public Limited Company :-

• Proof of identity of all the shareholders and directors.
• Proof of address of all the directors and the shareholders.
• PAN number of all the shareholders and directors.
• Utility bill of the proposed office i.e. proposed registered office for the company.
• A NOC(No Objection Certificate) from the landlord where the office of the company will be situated.
• Director Identification Number (DIN) of all the directors.
• Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of the directors.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA).
• Articles of association (AOA).

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