FaceBook Aims For IPO Filing.... Forbes.Com

Updated: Social networking giant Facebook is looking to file its S-1 for an initial public offering next week, as early as Wednesday, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources.

Speculation has been running high in recent days that Facebook would be filing an IPO in the coming days.  A Facebook IPO could value the company as high as $100 billion with an offering of $10 billion, numerous outlets have previously reported. The Facebook IPO could value the company at $75 billion to $100 billion and Facebook is close to selecting Morgan Stanley as the lead underwriter on the deal, according to WSJ. Goldman Sachs is like to play a role in the IPO, the newspaper reported. CNBC is also confirming the report.

The Facebook IPO is widely expected to be one of the biggest in recent years, if not the biggest ever. Secondary investors have still been actively trading on shares in the company in recent weeks on private exchanges and with independent brokers, according to people involved with trades who I’ve spoken to.

Last year, Facebook passed the 499 investor limit for private companies. After passing that limit private companies must file their financials publicly after 120 days after the end of that calendar year. In other words, Facebook has until April of this year to file its financials. It doesn’t necessarily have to go public but it’s widely expected to.

The Facebook IPO will be a significant milestone for the Internet and technology industry as Facebook is one of the fastest growing and prominent companies, now with more than 800 million users. Private companies hoping to go public are closely watching the potential offering, as are venture capitalists hoping to see returns on their companies. Many are watching to see if the Facebook IPO will herald a new Netscape moment, lifting the market.

Today Morgan Stanley stock is trading up slightly, about 0.79% at $18.29. However, Goldman is seeing a nice bump, up 2.06% at $110.80. - Forbes