Launched in February 2004, last month Facebook announced plans to float on the stock market.

BBC: Facebook hit by technical problem across Europe

Facebook's decision to float on the stock market is a watershed moment that will force the brash young business into adulthood.

BBC: Facebook: The challenges on the next page

Collapsed care provider Southern Cross was warned about failing standards in its homes as it prepared to float on the stock market, the BBC has learned.

BBC: Southern Cross sign

Right now the likelihood is that Lloyds will eventually opt to float Verde on the stock market - although there is a small possibility that it will revive talks on selling it to NBNK, the company specially created to buy banks by Lord Levene.

BBC: The threat to Co-op��s plan to be a bigger bank

Reports have suggested that it was originally planned to float Gala on the stock market, but these plans were abandoned given the current depressed market conditions.

BBC: Bingo group bought in ?1.25bn deal

Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia confirmed to the BBC that the bank intended to float its shares on the stock market within two to five years.

BBC: Northern Rock sold to Virgin Money

With a family trust for a majority owner (under a stipulation that it must always hold over 50%) and unable to float new shares on the stock market, Carlsberg was simply out of the big brewery-buying game.

FORBES: Another Look