A company is a voluntary association of persons for the purpose of doing business. It has a distinct name, limited liability, and a permanent paid up share capital divided into shares of a fixed amount. Some key characteristics of a company include separate legal entity, limited liability of members, perpetual succession, ownership of separate property, ability to sue and be sued, and transferable shares. There are several types of companies including chartered companies incorporated by royal charter, statutory companies incorporated under a special act of parliament, and registered companies formed under the Companies Act.