Who owns a public limited business?

Answer 1

The Directors control a public limited company. Directors are appointed by Shareholders in AGM.

Answer 2

A public limited company means the business is so successful that its is no longer limited by anything but the public. They are owned by the owners of the business; not the public.

A private limited company is likely to be a smaller business with higher risk of bankrupcy, again owned by the owners (e.g. if you start-up a lemonade stand and purchase everything with your own money; you are the owner of that lemonade stand).

Answer 3

A public limited business is owned by its shareholders. This business has its securities traded through stock exchanges where anyone can buy, own, and sell them.