Companies Act 2014 section 1000

Interpretation (Part 17)

Section 1000 sets out the key definitions and interpretation provisions that apply throughout Part 17 of the Companies Act 2014, which deals with public limited companies (PLCs).

• The "authorised minimum" share capital for a PLC is €25,000, though the Minister may increase this amount by order.
• A "public limited company" or "PLC" is a company limited by shares whose constitution states it is a PLC and which has complied with the relevant registration requirements, but excluding investment companies as defined in Part 24.
• Key terms such as "regulated market", "securities", and "Shareholders' Rights Directive" are defined by reference to specific EU Directives on financial instruments and shareholder rights.
• If the Minister raises the authorised minimum above €25,000, any PLC with allotted share capital below the new threshold must either increase its capital or re-register as a different type of company.