INTRODUCTION
A Private Limited is a type of a company, which is a separate legal entity formed by a small group of people who come together and to carry out a business activity, earn profit, and work toward to achieve common goals. Ownership of a Private Company is restricted to their shareholders only, and does not offer its shares to the general public.
REGULATROY FRAMEWORK
The regulatory framework for a Private Company is primarily governed by the Companies Act, 2013, which defines the provisions, rules and regulations for registration, compliance, and operations for a private company. As per Section 2(68) of the Companies Act, 2013, a private company is defined as,
“A company having a minimum paid-up share capital as may be prescribed, and which by its articles –
- Restricts the right to transfer its shares;
- Except in case of a One Person Company, limits the number of its members to two hundred; and
- Prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any securities of the company.”
- KEY CHARACTERISTICS AND STRUCTURE
A Private Company is distinguished by several salient features.
- Distinct Legal Entity:- A Private Company possesses an independent legal existence, distinct from its shareholders. It can own property in its own name and can be sue and be sued in its own name.
- Limited Liability Of Member:- The liability of each member of a Private Company is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. In the event of financial distress or insolvency, their personal assets remain shielded from corporate debts.
- Restricted Ownership:- Shares are closely held and often non-transferable without the consent of other shareholders, preserving the intimate character of the enterprise.
- Exclusive Membership Character:- A Private Company must consist of a minimum of two members and may have up to two hundred members. This limited circle ensure great control and intimacy among stakeholders.
- Minimum Number Of Directors:- A Private Limited Company necessitates a minimum number of two director on its board. At least one of these directors must be an Indian citizen.
- Prohibition On Public Fundraising:- Private Companies are restricted from inviting the public to subscribe to their securities, thus maintaining a private and exclusive capital structure.
- Confidentiality of Business Affair:- Unlike Public Companies, Private Companies are not under an obligation to disclose its information to the non-interested people, this characteristics allow it to conduct their business operation with discretion and secrecy.
- Use Of Word “Private Limited”:- It is a mandatory for a Private Company to use the suffix “Private Limited” or “Pvt Ltd” in its name this signifies its private character to the people at large.
- BENEFITS OF A PRIVATE COMPANY
- Compared to Public Companies, Private Companies deals with fewer legal formalities and less Government oversight, making operations simpler and less costly.
- Faster and flexible decision making, as Private Companies are not bound by heavy layers of approvals.
- Privacy of financial information.
- More personalized relationships with the Investors.
- Stronger internal management, as management decisions in private company are usually made by the owners.
- Limited Liability protection for shareholders.
- Ease of funding .
- HOW TO FORM A PRIVATE COMPANY?
Steps to be followed for formation of a company:
- Obtain DSC..
- Draft key documents such as MOA and AOA for incorporation.
- Apply for company name reservation through the form SPICe+ PART A.
- Once name is approved, file SPICe+ Part B Form, which includes;
- Capital details;
- Registered Office details;
- Director and Shareholder details;
- Stamp Duty calculation;
- Apply for PAN and TAN;
- File other relevant forms (AGILE PRO, e-MOA, e-AOA, INC-9).
- Verification and Approval.
- Obtain Certificate of Incorporation.
- DOCUMENT REQUIREMENT
The following documents are necessary for the incorporation of a Private Company:
- Documents required for proposed Directors and Subscribers:
- Identity Proof – PAN/Passport/Driving license/Voter id
- Permanent Address Proof – Aadhaar Card
- Present Address Proof – Electricity bill//Voter id/Bank statement
- Photograph – Passport size photo (1)
- Contact Details – Email and mobile number
- Specimen Signature
- Registered Office Address – Electricity bill /Voter id/Bank statement
- Mail Id of proposed company