what does '& Co' mean?

[samanthaZ]

Many accountancy firm's name end with '& Co'. Such as 'Wing & Co', 'Schonhut Carr & Co' etc...

What does this mean? what's the difference from 'Ltd'?

Also, what's the difference between 'Ltd' & 'Limited' - I can't see it, but obviously there is something distinguish them.

Many thanks!

 

[Richie N]

And Company....
It could be more of a partnership than limited.

 

[MrAnchovy]

It stands for 'and Company' but it has no meaning in law, unlike Limited (or Ltd) which means (if registered in most English-speaking jurisdictions including those of the United Kingdom) that the company has been registered with Limited Liability, which means that the people who formed or now own the company cannot normally be held liable for the debts of the company.

Limited and Ltd. mean the same thing, a company can choose between them on registration.

XYZ & Co. may be a business name of a sole trader, a partnership, or of a limitied liability partnership XYZ LLP or company XYZ Limited, or even No Obvious Connection PLC!