Private Limited Company vs Public Limited Company

Selecting the appropriate business structure is a pivotal decision that significantly impacts a company's operations, legal obligations, and growth potential. Two commonly adopted business structures are the Private Limited Company (PLC) and the Public Limited Company Public Limited Company In this article, we will explore the differences between these two business entities, highlighting their unique characteristics, benefits, and implications.

Key Points of This Blog:

  1. Definitions and basic understanding of Public Limited Companies (PLCs) and Private Limited Companies (Pvt Ltd).

  2. Comparing key difference between private limited company and public limited company in a tabular format.

  3. Documents Required for Private Limited Company and Public Limited Companies Registration

  4. Fees For Registration of Private Limited Company vs Public Limited Company and Other Requirements

  5. Examples of Private Limited company and Public Limited Company

What is a Public Limited Company (PLC)?

A Public Limited Company in India is a business that can sell shares to the public and has its shareholders' liability limited to their investment. This allows it to raise large amounts of capital from the general public.

What is a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd )?

A Private Limited Company in India is a type of small business where owners have limited personal responsibility for the company's debts and can't sell shares to the public. It is a well-liked option for small and medium-sized companies.

Going public transforms a business. It’s a step that demands readiness for scrutiny, but it also provides unparalleled opportunities for expansion and credibility in the market.”

Key Difference between Private Limited Company and Public Limited Company

When choosing the right business structure, understanding the differences between a Private Limited Company and a Public Limited Company is crucial. Both structures offer unique advantages and are governed by different regulations.


Feature

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)

Minimum Number of Shareholders

7

2

Maximum Number of Shareholders

No Limit

200

Minimum Number of Directors

3

2

Share Transferability

Freely transferable

Restricted

Public Subscription

Allowed

Not allowed

Statutory Meeting

Mandatory

Not mandatory

Name Suffix

Must end with "Limited"

Must end with "Private Limited"

Listing on Stock Exchange

Yes

No

Documents Required for Private Limited Company and Public Limited Company Registration


Planning to launch a company in India? Know what paperwork you'll need to navigate the registration process for Public vs. Private Limited Companies.

  • Proof of Identity and Address:

Private Limited Company: All directors and shareholders must provide identification, such as PAN cards for Indian nationals. And all directors and shareholders need Documents like Aadhaar cards, passports, or recent utility bills.

Pubic Limited Company: Similar requirements as in private limited companies for all directors and shareholders.

  • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)

Private Limited Company: Required for at least one of the directors to file documents electronically.

Pubic Limited Company: Directors are required to ensure secure electronic submissions.

  • Director Identification Number (DIN)

Private Limited Company: Mandatory for all directors, with proof of identity and address required for application.

Public Limited Company: Needed for each director.

  • Registered Office Proof:

Private Limited Company: This includes a recent utility bill, a rent agreement, proof of ownership of the office location, and a no-objection certificate from the owner.

Public Limited Company:  Proof of the location of the company's office, similar to private limited requirements.

  • Articles of Association (AoA) & Memorandum of Association (MoA): 

Private Limited Company:  Key documents outlining the company's purpose, structure, and internal rules.

Public Limited Company: More detailed compared to private limited companies, due to stricter regulatory standards.

Registration of Private Limited Company vs Public Limited Company Requirements

Ready to start your business journey in India but need clarification on the costs and demands of different company structures? Let’s simplify the financial and operational requirements of private limited company and public limited company: 


Requirement

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd)

Registration Fees

Higher due to a larger scale

Lower compared to PLC

Compliance and Reporting Costs

Higher due to extensive requirements

Lower due to fewer regulations

Statutory Requirements

Strict, with regular audits and disclosures

Less stringent, with fewer mandatory audits

Capital Requirement

Higher minimum paid-up capital

Lower minimum paid-up capital

Time to Incorporate

Longer due to complex procedures

Shorter due to simpler processes

Example of a Private Limited Company?

Before diving into the corporate world, know which businesses thrive as Private Limited Companies. Here are some examples of private limited company

  • Flipkart: Before its acquisition by Walmart, Flipkart operated as a private limited company, focusing on building its business without the pressure of public investors.

  • Zomato: Initially a private limited company, Zomato grew by securing private investments before going public.

  • Wipro Limited: A prominent player in the global information technology, consulting, and business process services sector.

Example of Public Limited Company?

Like a Private Limited Company before entering into the realm of entrepreneurship, learn about which business prefers a Public Limited Company: 

  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): A leading IT services company that went public to expand its operations and market reach.

  • Reliance Industries Limited: A conglomerate that benefits from public investments to fund its diverse business ventures.

  • Bharti Airtel Limited: One of the largest telecom operators in India, providing broadband, mobile telephony, and digital television services.

Conclusion

Armed with the knowledge of the difference between private limited company and public limited company, you're now better positioned to adjust your corporate strategy to suit your long-term business goals. Choosing the right company structure is crucial for your business's future. This emphasized the primary difference between Private Limited Company and Public Limited Company in India. PLCs can sell shares to the public, raising significant capital, while Pvt Ltd companies have restricted share transfers, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Understanding these distinctions helps align your business strategy with your long-term goals.