Definition
A company is a corporate enterprise with a legal identity separate from its members, allowing it to operate as one single unit. This separation means the company itself is considered a legal person, able to own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. Companies can have limited liability (limited company) where the members’ liability for the company’s debts is restricted to their investment, or they can be unlimited companies where members bear unlimited liability.
Incorporated Company
An incorporated company is a legal entity distinct from its shareholders. It has the capacity to own assets, incur liabilities, and is responsible for its obligations.
Registered Company
Most companies are registered under the Companies Act, classified as either public limited company (plc) or private company:
- Public Limited Company (PLC): Requires a minimum share capital of £50,000, with at least £12,500 paid up. PLs must end with ‘plc’.
- Private Company: Does not offer its shares to the public and is any registered company that is not a public company.
Unregistered Company
Includes joint-stock companies, chartered companies formed via Royal Charter, and statutory companies formed by a special Act of Parliament.
Examples
- Public Limited Company (PLC): ABC plc with a share capital of £100,000, trading publicly on the stock exchange.
- Private Company: XYZ Ltd, a family-owned manufacturing business not trading shares publicly.
- Chartered Company: The East India Company formed under Royal Charter.
- Statutory Company: British Rail, established by a specific legislative act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a public limited company and a private company?
Public limited companies (PLCs) can offer shares to the public and must disclose more financial information, while private companies cannot trade shares publicly and have simpler reporting obligations.
What does limited liability mean?
Limited liability restricts the shareholders’ responsibility for the company’s debts to the amount invested in the company.
What legal documents are companies required to make public?
Companies must publish financial documents such as their profit and loss account, balance sheet, and annual report as prescribed by corporate law.
A PLC must have a minimum share capital of £50,000, with at least £12,500 paid up.
Can a private company become a public company?
Yes, through a process called “conversion,” where it meets regulatory requirements and changes its registration.
- Limited Liability: A form of legal protection for shareholders, limiting their losses to the amount invested.
- Unlimited Company: A company where members are liable for its debts without limit.
- Joint-Stock Company: A business entity in which shares of the company can be bought and sold by shareholders.
- Chartered Company: Formed under Royal Charter and often involves historical or special business purposes.
- Statutory Company: Created through specific legislation, often to fulfill a public or governmental function.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Corporate Finance” by Stephen A. Ross, Randolph W. Westerfield, and Jeffrey Jaffe
- “The Principles of Corporate Finance” by Richard A. Brealey and Stewart C. Myers
- “Company Law: Theory, Structure, And Operation” by Brian R. Cheffins
Accounting Basics: “Company” Fundamentals Quiz
### A company is a legal entity that primarily distinguishes itself by which characteristic?
- [ ] Having multiple shareholders
- [x] Having a separate legal identity from its members
- [ ] Being able to operate internationally
- [ ] Having perpetual succession
> **Explanation:** A company is primarily characterized by being a distinct legal entity separate from its members, allowing it to own assets, incur liabilities, and engage in contracts.
### What does "limited liability" enable shareholders of a company to do?
- [ ] Sue the company
- [x] Restrict their financial loss to their investment
- [ ] Manage the company directly
- [ ] Borrow money in the company's name
> **Explanation:** Limited liability restricts shareholders' financial responsibility to the amount they have invested in the company, protecting their personal assets.
### What distinguishes a public limited company (PLC) from a private company?
- [x] The ability to offer shares to the public
- [ ] Higher share capital requirements
- [ ] More restrictive business operations
- [ ] Less stringent financial transparency requirements
> **Explanation:** Public limited companies (PLCs) can offer shares to the public, while private companies cannot, making PLCs more suitable for raising large amounts of capital through public investments.
### Which document must a public company typically disclose to meet legal requirements?
- [ ] Personnel records
- [ ] Employee contracts
- [x] Annual report
- [ ] Internal memos
> **Explanation:** Public companies are required to disclose their annual report, which includes detailed financial statements and other relevant information.
### Which term refers to the founders' protected capital invested in a company?
- [ ] Debt capital
- [ ] Liquid capital
- [x] Share capital
- [ ] Revenue capital
> **Explanation:** Share capital refers to the invested funds provided by shareholders which protect their personal liability and form the financial foundation of a company’s equity.
### What legal structure does a company need to separate ownership from its operations?
- [x] Corporation
- [ ] Partnership
- [ ] Sole proprietorship
- [ ] Joint venture
> **Explanation:** A corporation allows for a separation of ownership from its operations, enabling it to act as a legal person distinct from its shareholders.
### How is a company allows shareholders to participate in decision-making?
- [ ] By direct management involvement
- [x] Through voting rights on major decisions
- [ ] By regular consultations
- [ ] By executing daily operations
> **Explanation:** Shareholders participate in a company’s decision-making process indirectly through voting rights on key issues like electing the board of directors and approving major changes.
### Which type of company allows unrestricted transfer of shares?
- [ ] Private company
- [x] Public limited company
- [ ] Statutory company
- [ ] Chartered company
> **Explanation:** Public limited companies (PLCs) allow shareholders to freely buy and sell shares in the market, providing liquidity and mobility in ownership.
### What primary purpose usually drives the formation of a statutory company?
- [ ] Maximizing profits
- [ ] Operating globally
- [x] Fulfilling a public or governmental function
- [ ] Meeting private interests of founders
> **Explanation:** Statutory companies are often formed to fulfill specific public or governmental functions as determined by legislative acts.
### What significant characteristic does an incorporated company hold?
- [ ] It has limited operations
- [ ] It is immune to market changes
- [x] It can own property in its own name
- [ ] It avoids corporate tax
> **Explanation:** An incorporated company can own property, enter into contracts, and be involved in litigation in its own name, which is an essential attribute of its distinct legal identity.
Thank you for exploring the foundational concepts of “Company” accounting terminology and completing our quiz. Your dedication to expanding your financial acumen is commendable!