A private limited company, often abbreviated as Pvt. Ltd. or Ltd., is a type of business entity that is owned by a group of shareholders. This form of business organization is common in many countries and offers certain advantages and limitations compared to other forms of business structures.

Here are some key characteristics of a private limited company:

1. Limited Liability: Shareholders of a private limited company have limited liability, which means their personal assets are generally protected from the company's debts and liabilities. In the event of financial problems or legal issues, shareholders are typically only liable for the amount they have invested in the company.

2. Limited Number of Shareholders: A private limited company typically has a limited number of shareholders, often ranging from 2 to a few dozen. The maximum number of shareholders can vary by country and may be regulated by local laws.

3. Ownership and Shareholding: Private limited companies issue shares to their shareholders, and ownership is determined by the number of shares held by each individual or entity. Shareholders may have different classes of shares, which can confer different rights and privileges.

4. Separate Legal Entity: A private limited company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. This means that the company can enter into contracts, own assets, and incur liabilities in its own name.

5. Statutory Compliance: Private limited companies are subject to various statutory compliance requirements, such as filing annual financial statements and holding regular shareholder meetings. These requirements are often defined by the laws of the country in which the company is registered.

6. Limited Transferability of Shares: The transfer of shares in a private limited company is usually subject to certain restrictions specified in the company's articles of association or bylaws. This can limit the ease with which shares can be bought or sold.

7. Privacy: Private limited companies often offer a higher degree of privacy compared to other business structures like publicly traded companies. Shareholders' information and financial details are not typically made public to the same extent.

8. Capital Formation: Private limited companies can raise capital by issuing shares to investors, and they can also borrow money from banks and other sources to fund their operations and growth.

It's important to note that the specific rules and regulations governing private limited companies can vary significantly from one country to another. In some countries, the term "private limited company" may be replaced with a different legal term, such as "limited liability company" (LLC) in the United States or "proprietary limited company" in Australia. Therefore, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and obligations specific to the jurisdiction in which the company is registered.