Facebook readies initial public offering roadshow
updated 11:45 pm EDT, Tue May 1, 2012
Zuckerberg's role in roadshow unclear
In the buildup to Facebook, Inc's initial public offering (IPO), preparations are underway to launch an IPO roadshow. The roadshow is expected to begin on May 7, with a projected start of share trading two weeks later on May 18.
IPO roadshows aren't a new concept. Historically, they are scheduled for company management to present business strategies to prospective investors, and typically run for two weeks over several venues. Sources familiar with the IPO said last week that the recent rash of acquisitions may have added some time to the schedule as regulators examine and approve deals.
Reuters reports that Zuckerberg is expected to play some role in the IPO roadshow, but other sources report that the mercurial CEO skipped all the pre-roadshow meetings in April and will not attend the roadshow in any capacity.
Estimates of Facebook's IPO suggest that $5 billion may be raised. Google's IPO in 2004 raised $1.7 billion.
