Callon Petroleum Co. (NYSE: CPE) opened a public offering of 12.5 million common shares, the company said Sept. 8.

Underwriters were given a monthlong option to purchase about 1.9 million additional shares, the company said.

The net proceeds from the offer will support Permian Basin acquisitions, Callon said, noting that borrowings under a planned senior secured second-lien term loan will also support them. The proceeds might also support exploration and development activities and general corporate purposes, which include debts and working capital, the company added.

Johnson Rice & Co. LLC and Scotiabank/Howard Weil are joint book-running managers, Callon said.

Natchez, Miss.-based operates in the West Texas Permian Basin.