Public and private companies (UK)

Under Companies Act 2006 section 4, a public company is a company limited by shares or by guarantee with share capital, whose incorporation certificate states that it is public and which meets the applicable registration or re-registration requirements. A private company is a company that is not a public company. Section 755 generally prohibits a private company within its stated scope from offering its securities to the public, subject to the section’s provisions. Public status does not itself mean its shares are listed. Further rules govern offers and listing; check the law and assessment period.