There are many types of companies in India. Moreover, there are several criteria to classify companies. For example, under the Companies Act of 2013, we have these categories: one-person company, private limited company, public limited company, and section 8 company (NGO). However, under the MSME Act, we have these categories of companies: micro companies, small companies, and medium companies. Read this blog, as it explains why we have various types of companies in India and how such companies are different from each other.
Overview of Company Types in India
In India, businesses can be set up under different types of companies, each designed to meet specific business needs. The most suitable type depends on factors such as the ownership structure, the number of owners or members, the level of liability, and the overall objectives of the business.
Understanding these types of companies will help you better understand how businesses are operated and managed.
Private Limited Company: A private limited company is owned by a small group of people. Its shares cannot be freely sold to the public. Many startups and small businesses choose this type because it is easy to manage.
Public Limited Company: A public limited company can sell shares to the public. It can raise money from many investors. These companies must follow more rules and reporting requirements.
One Person Company (OPC): An OPC is owned by one person. It allows a single owner to run a company while enjoying the benefits of a separate legal business structure.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): An LLP is a business run by partners. The partners have limited liability, which means their personal assets are usually protected from business debts.
Section 8 Company: A Section 8 company is created for social, educational, charitable, or non-profit work. Any profit earned is used to support its goals rather than being shared among members.
Additional Read: Pros and Cons of a Company Going Public
List of Different Types of Companies in India
The following table provides the different types of companies in India and their criteria:
Criteria
| Types of companies
|
According to size
| Micro Companies, Small Companies, and Medium Companies
|
According to liability
| Companies limited by shares, Companies limited by guarantee, and Unlimited companies
|
According to the Companies Act of 2013
| One-person companies (OPC), Private limited companies, Public limited companies, and Section 8 companies (NGOs)
|
According to control
| Holding companies and Subsidiary companies
|
According to listing
| Listed companies and Unlisted companies
|
Types of Companies Based on Liability
There are different types of companies in India based on liability, which are explained below:
Company limited by shares: In this type of company, the liability of shareholders is limited to the extent of their investment in the company. If such a company goes bankrupt, its shareholders are liable only to the extent of their investment in the company. Their personal assets cannot be attached to pay any dues of the company. Hence, such companies are known as limited by shares because the liability of their shareholders is limited to an extent.
Company limited by guarantee: Such companies are typically non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, or enterprises involved in social work. These companies do not have shareholders. However, they have members that provide a statement of guarantee in which they say that they will contribute towards the assets of the company if it winds up. These contributions are required to pay the debt, expenses of winding up, and other obligations of such companies.
Unlimited company: The members or shareholders of such companies have unlimited liability. If an unlimited company is unable to pay its debt, then the assets and private wealth of its shareholders can be attached to pay such debts. Hence, their liability is unlimited.
Types of Companies Based on Size
As per the MSME Act in India, companies can be divided based on their size as follows:
Micro company: A micro company is an enterprise that has invested up to Rs. 1 crore in plant and machinery and its annual sales are not more than Rs. 5 crores.
Small company: A small company is an enterprise that has invested up to Rs. 10 crores in plant and machinery and its annual sales are not more than Rs. 50 crores. However, under the Companies Act of 2013, if a company has a paid-up share capital of less than Rs. 4 crores and annual sales of less than Rs. 40 crores, it is deemed as a small company.
Medium company: A medium company is an enterprise that has invested up to Rs. 50 crores in plant and machinery and its annual sales are not more than Rs. 250 crores.
Based on these classifications under the MSME Act, subsidies are provided by the government to these companies.
Types of Companies under the Companies Act, 2013
The various types of companies under the Companies Act of 2013 are explained below:
One-person company (OPC): An OPC is a company with just one member, who is also its shareholder and director. This structure is good for those businesspersons who want to go solo and do not want to have a partner.
Private limited company: Such companies cannot have more than 200 members and not less than two members. This structure is good for those businesses that want to be registered as private entities. Meanwhile, the members of such companies are not allowed to transfer their shares. A private limited company should have at least two directors and a maximum of 15 directors.
Public limited company: In a public limited company, the general public can hold equity and other shares. There is no limit on the number of maximum shareholders such companies can have. However, to create a public company, a minimum of seven members are required. Such companies must have at least three directors and can have a maximum of 15 directors.
Section 8 company (NGO): Such companies can be registered by an association of persons under Section 8 of the Companies Act. Section 8 companies are established for charitable purposes for causes related to art, education, research, science, religion, social welfare, etc.
Types of Companies Based on Control
Under this classification, companies are divided based on who owns or controls them:
Holding company: When a company has a majority of voting powers of another company, it is called that company's holding company. The company in which it has voting powers is called its subsidiary. Such a holding company is also known as a parent company, as it controls the policies, decision-making, and assets of its subsidiary. That said, a holding company is not involved in the day-to-day operations of its subsidiary company.
Subsidiary company: When a company is either entirely or partially owned by another company, it is called that company's subsidiary. And, that company is called its holding company. A holding company decides who will be the board of directors in its subsidiary, as it typically has more than 50% voting rights in its subsidiary. However, when a holding company has 100% voting rights, its subsidiary is called a “wholly owned subsidiary.”
Types of Companies Based on Listing
The various types of companies in India based on listing are as follows:
Listed companies: Such companies are registered on stock exchanges, either in India or abroad. As the shares of such companies are available for trade on stock exchanges, members of the general public can buy and sell them. In India, to be listed, a company must adhere to the guidelines set by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI). When a company wants to list its shares on a stock exchange, it issues a prospectus to the general public, which has information about its business, financials, and prospects. Based on the prospectus, people decide whether to invest in it or not. To list on an exchange, a company has to issue an initial public offer (IPO). If a company is already listed and still wants to raise more capital, it can issue a further public offer (FPO).
Unlisted companies: When a company is not listed on a stock exchange, it is known as an unlisted company. The owners of such companies raise capital through friends, relatives, or people in their network.