What is issued capital?
Issued capital is the value of the shares issued to shareholders. This means the nominal value of the shares rather than their actual worth. The amount of issued capital cannot exceed the amount of the authorised capital.
A company need not issue all its capital at once, but a public limited company must have at least £50,000 of allotted share capital. Of this, 25% of the nominal value of each share and any premium must be paid up before it can can get a trading certificate allowing it to commence business and borrow.
A company may increase its issued capital by allotting more shares but only up to the maximum allowed by its authorised capital. Allotments must only be done under proper authority (see question 7).
A public company may offer shares to the general public. Share offers to the public are made in a prospectus or are accompanied by listing particulars. For more information on prospectuses and listing particulars, see chapter 3.
A private company is normally restricted to issuing shares to its members, to staff and their families and to debenture holders. However, by private arrangement, the company may issue shares to anyone it chooses.
BACK TO COMPANY REGISTRATION GUIDANCE
Source:
http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/about/gbhtml/gba6.shtml#one
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