A Private Limited Company, often abbreviated as Pvt Ltd or Pte Ltd, is a type of business entity that is privately held by a small group of shareholders. This business structure is commonly used in many countries, including the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and others.
Here are some key characteristics of a Private Limited Company:
Limited Liability: Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of capital they have invested in the company. This means that their assets are generally protected when the company faces financial difficulties or legal claims.
Ownership: A Private Limited Company is owned by shareholders who hold shares of the company’s stock. The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the company’s operations and make major decisions.
Number of Shareholders: Most jurisdictions require a minimum of two shareholders to form a Private Limited Company, and there is usually a maximum limit on the number of shareholders allowed, typically ranging from 50 to 200 depending on the country’s laws.
Capital: Private Limited Companies can raise capital by issuing shares to investors. However, they cannot publicly trade their shares on the stock exchange like public companies.
Privacy: Private Limited Companies are not required to disclose their financial information or other company details to the public, providing privacy for the shareholders and the company’s operations.
Name: The company’s name usually ends with “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” (or the equivalent in the respective country’s language), which indicates its limited liability status.
Regulations: Private Limited Companies are subject to regulations and compliance requirements set by the government or regulatory authorities of the country in which they operate. These may include filing annual financial statements, holding annual general meetings, and adhering to tax regulations.