I prefer this version:

CHICAGO, Aug 31 (Reuters) - MasterCard Inc., the world's No. 2 credit card association, said on Wednesday that it plans to go public early next year, ending nearly four decades as a private association.

The move comes as MasterCard, which is owned by the 1,400 banks that issue its cards, faces a growing number of lawsuits that allege its existing ownership structure makes it an illegal cartel of competitors, fixing the prices it charges merchants in violation of antitrust laws.

Analysts said that by broadening its ownership base through an initial public offering, MasterCard could muffle its critics even as it creates a war chest to continue defending past practices.