What is a Private Limited Company?

Overview

A Private Limited Company is a company of small group of people. All private limited companies are registered with a pre-defined objective and are owned by a group of members called ‘shareholders’. It is very important for new business owners to have a clear idea of what is private limited company. Moreover, understanding the meaning of private limited company in detail before proceeding with the pvt ltd company registration in India is ideal. Through this article you will get a clear idea on what is pvt ltd company, and how it is the appropriate structure for growth centric startups.

What is private limited company?

For a business entity to become a ‘company’ you need to register it under the Companies Act, 2013 in India. To understand what is the meaning of pvt ltd company, referring to the Act is the solution. Section 2 (68) of the Act defines a Private Company as under:

A Company having a minimum paid-up share capital as may be prescribed, and which by its articles,—
(i) restricts the right to transfer its shares;
(ii) except in case of One Person Company, limits the number of its members to two hundred;
(iii) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any securities of the company

At a glance, it is pretty understandable that the share transfer in a private company is subject to certain restrictions. It is a company held ‘privately’. Further, the upper limit on the  number of members is 200. Lastly, it cannot offer its shares to the general public at large. If company fails to meet with the criteria, it loses the of a private limited company. This definitely makes it easy to understand what is private limited company.

Also Read: Company Registration Process

What are the components of a pvt ltd company? 

To get a better understanding on the structure of what is pvt ltd company, you need to understand its key features. Let’s dive in! 

Share capital and ownership

In a Private Limited Company, the shareholders are the owners. Share capital is the mode of getting ownership in Pvt ltd company. A ‘share’ is a part of the company’s capital. The members of private limited company subscribe to shares and the ratio of ownership depends on that. 

The ownership structure of a private company is the main attraction to investors. This allows them to invest a certain amount and get ownership to that extent in the company. Further, the ownership of shares of a pvt ltd company are easily transferable. There might be certain restrictions, however, on the basis of the shareholders agreement and charter documents of the company. 

Number of members

The shareholders of a company are its ‘members’. In India, a minimum of 2 and maximum 200 members are mandatory to start a private company. However, you first need to have an idea on who can become a shareholder in a company. There are certain considerations that will help you in calculating the number of members in private company. These include: 

• If two or more persons hold shares jointly, they are still a single shareholder; and
• ESOP pool allows employees to become members.

Prohibition to invite public to subscribe securities

From its definition itself its clear that the private limited companies cannot issue shares or securities to the general public. Hence, if you want to issue shares to public at large, your private company will lose its status of what is private limited company. 

Why is regsitering pvt ltd company common for startups?

Now that you have an understanding of what is pvt ltd company, you can understand the amount of growth opportunities it entails. The beneficial features it has to offer such as the boon of perpetuity and separate legal existence, make it a gem for young entrepreneurs. As a result, a company can enter into its own contracts and also buy and hold property in its own name.  Some other points of attraction to startups are: 

• Having a separate Board of Directors; 
• Investors can earn from dividend ratios in profit;
• Equity funding is only available in Pvt Companies; 
• ESOP pool helps in attracting skilled experts; and
• Eligible for startup India recognition scheme.

Private companies are most suitable for product based businesses. Yet, certain times promoters often face myths and dilemmas. We have addressed such myths and dilemmas in our blog: Private limited company: Busting the myths

What is required to start a pvt ltd company in India?

After understanding the meaning of private limited company, it becomes a viable business option for many. However, it is also vital that before registration, you are aware of the prerequisites to a pvt ltd company. 

Members

A company is a private company when it has a minimum of 2 members and maximum of 200 members. 

Directors

To understand exactly what a pvt ltd company is, you need to understand the important role of Directors. So, you need at least two directors mandatorily for a pvt ltd. However, considering their role, it is also important for Directors to obtain their DINs and DSCs before the registration. 

Unique company name

Another prerequisite attached to the meaning of a private limited company is that all companies in India have a unique name. So, before you proceed with the registration, you need to reserve a unique company name. 

Registered office address

Another requirement for a company is to have a registered office address in India. It must be in the state where you want to register your office. 

Also Read: Can home address be office address?

It is quite evident that these requirements help in forming the business entity known as a private limited company. Without fulfilling these basic requirements, you cannot proceed with the formation and commencement of your company. 

What are the advantages of private limited company?

Limited liability

As the name suggests, there is a limitation of liability for all shareholders in a private company . This limitation extends either to the amount of shares they hold, or the amount they have subscribed to. This advantage is integral to the meaning of a pvt ltd company. 

Free transferability of ownership

The law does not impose any restriction on the transfer of ownership by the shareholders of a company. So, there is no onus on the shareholders and they can easily transfer their ownership. 

Perpetual existence

As stated above, this feature of a privately held company is one of its major benefits. The pvt company will continue to exist even after the death of one or more of its members. 

Online registration

With the aim of creating an ease of doing business in India, the government has made the process of incorporation completely digital. With electronic forms, and document submissions, you no longer need to spend hours in compiling paperwork. 

Disadvantages of pvt ltd company

Compliance requirements

One of the major disadvantages of a pvt ltd company is that it comes with a lot of post registration compliance requirements. Most of which are annual requirements. Moreover, it also involves a lot of hefty charges, in case you miss out on the compliance. Hence, it is vital that you keep in touch with professionals over the year and stay compliant to the laws. You can even save this compliance calendar for 2024- 25 to stay on track. 

Lifting of the corporate veil

Even though the meaning of a private limited company suggests that it exists separately from its owners, there can be certain scenarios where this veil of separation is non existent. In this case, the owners of the company shall be held liable for its actions or negligence. 

Documentation

MOA and AOA are important for a privately held company in India. However, even apart from that, there are so many other things that a pvt ltd has to take care of. Once you start operations, you will need to have certain legal documents such as HR policies, Shareholders Agreement, Employment Contracts, POSH Policy, etc. The laws surrounding employee welfare and safe and secure workplaces are also getting stringent with time.

Types of private companies

On the basis of liabilities and capital, there are various types of companies in India. Listed below are the sub types of pvt ltd company. 

Based on capital

You can register a private company with or without share capital. This basis of the type of a company is a part of the capital clause of the MOA. 

Based on liability

The liability of members of a company may be limited or unlimited. The most common in India is private companies with a limited liability. In case of companies with shareholding, members’ liability is only up to unpaid capital on subscribed shares. In case of companies without shareholding, the agreed amount of liability in form of capital is provided in MoA of the company. 

One person company

Even though OPCs are a separate business model, they still fall under the meaning of private limited company. The only difference is, these are private limited companies for one person. This business structure is beneficial for business owners who want to run a solo body corporate. 

Conclusion

Out of all the various types of business structures in India, private limited companies are one of the most popular ones. Considering its features, it is the most appropriate business structure for young growth centric business ventures. Register your company today with LegalWiz.in experts!