What is a Private Ltd company? * A private limited company incorporates under the laws of England and Wales, Scotland, that of certain Common wealth countries and the Republic of Ireland. * Is a small business such as an independent retailor in a market town. * A private Ltd company is a company that offers limited liability, or legal protection for its shareholders. * Shareholders in private company’s cannot sell or transfer their shares without offering them first to other shareholders for purchase * A private company’s finances are separate from its owner’s finances. * A private company has protection from personal liability to Limited Companies, which makes it easier for a Private Limited Company to borrow money, raise capital and achieve financing without personal risk. * Private Limited Companies have an unlimited life; their existence does not end with a death of shareholder. * A Limited Company is more expensive to set up than a sole trader or partnership. * Owners on limited companies have less personal control over the company compared to sole trades due to compliance issues. * If a company set up by the Act of Parliament, the business may not have limited in their name in the Republic of Ireland, ‘Teoranta’ (Teo) may be used instead.

What is a Public Ltd Company? * A Public Ltd Company is a company whose shares may be freely sold and traded to public, with a minimum share capital of £50,000 and the letter PLC after its name. * In the United Kingdom, a public limited company usually must include the words “public limited company” or the abbreviation “PLC” or “plc” at the end as part of the legal company name. * Some public limited companies incorporated under special legislations are exempted from bearing any of the identifying suffixes. * To form a public limited company requires a minimum of one director. * Public companies are strictly regulated, and require by law to publish their complete and true financial position so that investors can determine the true worth of its stock.

What is a franchise company? * A franchise business is a business in which the owners or “franchisors”, sell the rights to their business logo, name, and model to a third part retail outlets, owns by independent, third party operators, called “franchisees” * Franchises are an extremely common way of doing business. * It is difficult to drive more than a few blocks in more cities without seeing a franchise business. * Examples of well-known franchise business models include, McDonalds, Subway, Ups and H & R Block. * In the United States, there are franchise business opportunities available across a wide variety of industries. * In terms of distribution, the franchisor is a supplier who allowed an operator, or a franchise, to use the supplier’s trademark and distribute the supplier’s goods. In return the operator pays the supplier a fee.