What is the difference between a private limited company and a public limited company?

A private limited company, or LTD, is a company which does not offer stock to the public, and thus its shareholders are normally family, friends and employees. There is no need for an LTD to disclose any financial information to the public. A public limited company, or PLC, is a company which does offer stock to the public generating money and is traded on an exchange. Unlike with LTDs, a PLC must consult shareholders when making financial and management decisions.