Point in time view as at 06/04/2022.
Companies Act 2006, Section 4 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 09 March 2025. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
(1)A “private company” is any company that is not a public company.
(2)A “public company” is a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital—
(a)whose certificate of incorporation states that it is a public company, and
(b)in relation to which the requirements of this Act, or the former Companies Acts, as to registration or re-registration as a public company have been complied with on or after the relevant date.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) the relevant date is—
(a)in relation to registration or re-registration in Great Britain, 22nd December 1980;
(b)in relation to registration or re-registration in Northern Ireland, 1st July 1983.
(4)For the two major differences between private and public companies, see Part 20.
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