(a) Highlight any four differences between public limited liability company and a private limited liability company. (8 marks) (b) Explain any four advantag...

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Economics - 2014 (Essay) Subject: Economics

Question 1 Report

(a) Highlight any four differences between public limited liability company and a private limited liability company. (8 marks)

(b) Explain any four advantages a limited liability company. (2 marks)

Answer Details

(a) Four differences between a public and a private limited liability company.

FeaturePublic limited companyPrivate limited company
MembershipMinimum of 7 members, no maximumMinimum of 2 members, maximum of 50
Sale of sharesShares sold freely to the public and quoted on the stock exchangeShares not offered to the public; transfer is restricted
Commencement of businessNeeds a certificate of incorporation and a certificate of trading before startingCan begin business immediately after incorporation
AccountsMust publish its accounts for public inspectionNot required to publish accounts to the public
CapitalCan raise very large capital from the publicRaises smaller capital from a limited circle of members

(b) Four advantages of a limited liability company.

  • Limited liability. The liability of members is limited to the amount they invested; personal property is protected if the company fails.
  • Large capital. A company can raise substantial funds through the sale of shares and debentures.
  • Continuity (perpetual succession). The company has a separate legal existence and continues even when owners die or leave.
  • Separate legal entity. It can sue, be sued, own property, and enter contracts in its own name.
  • Transferability of shares. Shares (especially in a public company) can be transferred, giving investors flexibility.

Examination takeaway. When a comparison is asked, always state each difference on both sides using the same feature, as laid out in the table; a one-sided statement earns half the marks.

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