In English Law and other countries with similar laws a private limited company by shares (limited or Ltd.) is a type of limited company, with liability limited to the capital invested, i.e. by the sale of shares. In other words the shareholder's personal assets are protected in the event of bankruptcy but they will lose the capital invested in their shares. English law, the law of England and Wales (but not Scotland and Northern Ireland) is considered by some to be one of Britains great gifts to the world. ... A limited company (Ltd. ...

A private limited company's shares are not available to the general public, the major distingushing feature between a private limited company and a public limited company. Most companies are of this type. The initials plc after a UK or Irish company name indicate that it is a public limited company whose shares may be offered for sale to the public. ...

See also

• Types of companies