(1) A "private company" is any company that is not a public company.
(2) A "public company" is a company limited by shares or limited by guarantee and having a share capital - (a) whose certificate of incorporation states that it is a public company, and (b) in relation to which the requirements of this Act, or the former Companies Acts, as to registration or re-registration as a public company have been complied with on or after the relevant date.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b) the relevant date is -
(a) in relation to registration or re-registration in Great Britain, 22nd December 1980;
(b) in relation to registration or re-registration in Northern Ireland, 1st July 1983.
(4) For the two major differences between private and public companies, see Part 20.