Ordinary shares, often known as equity or risk capital, are the default type of shares of a company (CA 2006, s 560). Generally, ordinary shares carry voting rights and rights to dividends and give a right to participate on a winding up in any excess assets. It is not uncommon for companies to issue different classes of ordinary shares, such as A Ordinary, B Ordinary and C Ordinary, each with their own distinct rights. Different classes of ordinary shares may have a preference with regard to voting, return of capital and dividends.