Most companies only have one kind of shares, called ordinary shares. Ordinary shares represent the company’s basic voting rights and reflect the equity ownership of a company. Ordinary shares typically carry one vote per share and each share gives equal right to dividends. These shares also give right to the distribution of the company’s assets in the event of winding-up or sale.
The rights attached to ordinary shares are generally defined in the articles of association of the company and/or in the shareholders agreement.