(Image source: MattCarlisle.com)

BY CHRISTY LEWIS

Rumor has it Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is finally ready to share his piece of the pie with the public. In an interview with Bloomberg’s Charlie Rose, Zuck said an IPO would happen when ‘it makes sense’. But, according to Business Insider, that time is right around the corner.

“A source close to Facebook employees emailed us yesterday to say that the rumor flitting from employee to employee is that ‘a Facebook S1 filing is coming really soon. Possibly as soon as next month. The IPO talk inside Facebook has ramped up the past 6 weeks and Zuckerberg repeatedly has said that it is ‘coming,’ which he *never* said in the history of Facebook.’”

This rumor doesn’t come as a surprise to the business-savvy. The company passed its 500 shareholder limit and now has to disclose its financials by April 2012. To many, it makes sense for Facebook to go all in at that time. But a writer for Tech Crunch believes there’s a different reason for the IPO.

“...our understanding is that it will be going public sometime next year for a different reason: rewarding its large roster of talented employees, who have been waiting years to cash in. Compliance isn’t the primary motive.”

A Bloomberg contributing editor agrees. Since the company hasn’t gone public yet, employees options are limited...forcing them to stick around. But he says the plan could backfire.

“Zuckerberg has been delaying it ... both because he knows the value of the company is rising and because they don’t like the bankers who are circling around them and because it actually helps with employee retention. But, if they keep delaying, delaying, and kicking the can down the road, they’re going to get some more dissatisfaction among their employees and it will become a harder place to work.”

Speaking of a harder place to work---a CNet writer explains, Facebook employees haven’t exactly had a lot to work with in the past.

“...employees who joined before fall 2007 could only sell their stock on secondary markets if they quit the company. Facebook employees who joined after fall 2007 received restricted stock which they can cash in only after Facebook holds its IPO.”

So an IPO means more people can bask is the success of Facebook. ZDNet outlines the company’s worth.

“Investments have been made valuing the company at $70 billion while sales on secondary markets have priced it at $80 billion. Some look at the growth and see great prospects. Others see a dip in the last few months and think Facebook is doomed.”

Finally, a Wall Street Cheat Sheet writer is thinking ahead about the IPO’s impact...if and when it happens.

“Questions linger on the effect on a Facebook IPO. Can the company keep its talented engineers and product managers? Can it grow its revenue like it competitors? Can it maintain its vision? Stay tuned for an interesting 2012.”