Difference Between Private and Public Company in Company Law
Introduction In company law, two common types of companies are private and public companies. It is crucial to understand the distinctions between these entities to make informed decisions regarding business structure and compliance. This article aims to provide a clear and concise explanation of the key differences between private and public companies. Ownership and Shareholders One of the primary differences lies in the ownership structure and the number of shareholders. A private company requires a minimum of two shareholders and can have a maximum of 200 shareholders. On the other hand, a public company must have at least seven shareholders, and there is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders. Capital and Fundraising Private companies cannot invite the public to subscribe to their shares or raise funds from the general public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Their shares are typically held by a small group of founders, friends, and family members. Public compani...