Public Limited Companies - PLC

If you require PLC after your company name, we can incorporate for you. With a PLC there are capital requirements and slightly different director and shareholder structure. However the prestige of having PLC at the end of your name is substantial.

As with standard Limited companies, these are created in a format suitable for general operation. If necessary we can tailor the company's main objects to suit specific requirements. A PLC must have a capital of £50,000.

At least 25% (£12,500) of this minimum must be fully paid up before the Registrar of Companies can issue a Certificate for Commencement of Trading. This Certificate must be issued before the company commences any business transactions.

• Necessary if the company is to trade its shares to the public.
• Can undertake any nature of business.
• Can operate anywhere in the world.
• Members have limited liability.
• Own choice of name.
• Must have at least two directors and two shareholders.
• A private company can be converted to a PLC, so most PLCs start life as normal private companies and convert at a later date.

With a PLC there are capital requirements and slightly different director and shareholder structure, however the prestige of having PLC at the end of your company name is substantial.

A PLC must have an issued capital of £50,000 and 25% (£12,500) must be fully paid up before the Registrar of Companies can issue a Certificate for Commencement of Trading. This Certificate must be issued before the company commences any business transactions.

• Necessary if the company is to trade its shares to the public.
• Can undertake any nature of business.
• Can operate anywhere in the world.
• Members have limited liability.
• Must have at least two directors and two shareholders.
• A private company can be converted to a PLC.
• To provide access to capital growth
• To create a market for the company’s shares
• To incentivise and reward employee commitment – by the use of share option schemes.
• To increase the company’s ability to make acquisitions – its shares can be used as currency
• To create a heightened public profile
• To enhance status with customers and suppliers
• Allow the company to use its shares as an acquisition currency

The primary difference between Public Limited Company (PLC) and a Private Limited Company (Ltd) is the Public Company's shares may be offered for sale to the general public.

Advantage of a Public Company

A PLC has access to capital markets and can also issue advertisements offering any of its securities for sale to the public.

The prestige of having PLC at the end of your company name is substantial.

• has access to capital markets
• can offer its shares for sale to the public
• can advertise its shares for sale to the public
• enjoys increased status because of the larger capital base.

Requirements

• Company shareholders and directors need not be from the UK
• There must be 2 directors
• There is no maximum number of directors
• Directors can be corporate bodies or private individuals
• A director can be of any nationality
• All companies must appoint a company secretary
• Share Capital of £50,000 of which 25% must be paid up
• The company is required to have a Registered Office in the UK