PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

A Public Limited Company or a PLC is the best business structure for those entrepreneurs who are planning big like opening an IT infrastructure, setting up of a manufacturing plant, etc. Nowadays, people mostly choose the option of a Private Limited Company over a Public Limited Company. However, it shall be pertinent to take into consideration that if in case an individual is seriously planning something big and wants to raise capital from the public by issuing them shares in return. Then, in that case, he or she must go for the option of incorporating a Public Limited 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 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 proprietorship, 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 own illegal actions.

Paid-up Capital
A public limited company is required to have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 5 lakh or such a 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 to their shares.

Name
It is a compulsory requirement under the Companies Act, 2013 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 OF REGISTRATION OF PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

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.
A 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 and Form INC – 22 is needed.
Payment of the prescribed registration fees to the ROC is required.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR INCORPORATING 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)