Characteristics of 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 is no restriction on the maximum number of directors.

 Limited Liability : The liability of each shareholder is limited. In simple words, 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. However, this characteristic of a public limited company does not offer immunity to the shareholders. The shareholders will be held responsible for their illegal actions.

Paid-up capital : A public limited company is required to have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 5 lakh or such higher amount as prescribed under the act.

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

 Name : It is a compulsory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013 for all the public companies to add the word ‘limited’ after their name.

Requirements/Process for registration of Public Limited Companies

There are various rules and regulations prescribed under the companies act, 2013 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
•  The minimum share capital of Rs. 5 lakhs 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 DIN
•  An application is required to be made for the selection of the name of the company
•  An application comprising the main object clause of the company is to be made. This object clause will define what a company will pursue after its incorporation
•  Submission of the application to ROC along with the required documents like MOA, AOA, duly filled Form DIR – 12, Form INC – 7 and Form INC – 22 is needed
•  Payment of the prescribed registration fees to the ROC is required
•  After obtaining approval from the ROC, the company should apply for the ‘certificate of business commencement.’
•  

Advantages of Public Limited Companies

Following are the advantages of forming a public limited company:

•  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.

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)