Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company (PLC) is a company that can offer its shares to the general public, typically through a stock exchange, allowing for a broad base of ownership. It benefits from significant access to capital by issuing shares or debentures to the public, facilitating expansion and large-scale projects. Similar to a private limited company, it provides limited liability to its shareholders, meaning their personal assets are protected from business debts. A PLC is a separate legal entity with perpetual succession, ensuring its continuous existence regardless of changes in ownership. However, PLCs face stringent regulatory compliance and disclosure requirements from bodies like SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and stock exchanges, demanding greater transparency and governance. It also requires a minimum of three directors and seven shareholders for incorporation.