The Intel-backed (INTC) chipmaker Altera is being prepared by private-equity investor Silver Lake for an IPO that could raise more than $2 billion, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Investment bankers Barclays (BCS), Citigroup (C), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Morgan Stanley (MS) have been selected to handle the offering, although the order of the banks has not been finalized, according to the report.

Reuters said that the San Jose-based Altera may confidentially file IPO papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the coming weeks, and a listing could come later this year.

The timing and size of the offering could still change, Reuters reported.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)