NEW YORK — Rumors are apparently starting to circulate that General Motors could file its registration for an initial public offering as soon as the week of Aug. 16, which, perhaps not surprisingly, will be soon after the automaker reveals second-quarter results.

A filing with the SEC would be the first move toward an IPO, and GM's announcement that it is purchasing AmeriCredit is likely designed to, perhaps, put the company in the best light in preparation for an IPO.

The deal with AmeriCredit came to a head quickly, as GM officials noted on a conference call Thursday that the two companies began talking about a possible transaction a month ago. The companies rolled out a non-prime program together in September of last year.

"It came together very quickly, and that's an example of the culture happening here," said GM vice chairman and chief financial officer Chris Liddell.

Ed Whitacre, GM chairman and chief executive officer, indicated, "This acquisition supports our efforts to design, build and sell the world's best vehicles by expanding the financing options we can offer to consumers who want to buy GM vehicles."

The deal will allow GM to get more credit-challenged customers behind the wheels of its vehicles, in addition to eventually re-entering the leasing business in about a year. Both of these initiatives will likely drive up sales.

According to one report, by beginning the filing proceedings in August, the company is seeking to complete the IPO process before November elections.

The government has invested heavily in the company to help it get on its feet, and it's likely both the government and GM would like this debate off the table as the elections approach.

Apparently, a GM IPO would likely be the biggest U.S. stock offering since Visa Inc.'s $19.7 billion March 2008 IPO, a report from Reuters revealed.