Linn Energy LLC (LINE) opened a public offering of 16 million common units representing limited liability company interests, the company said May 18.

Underwriters will be granted a monthlong option to purchase 2.4 million additional units.

Net proceeds will repay outstanding credit facility debt that was incurred to support open market buybacks of Linn and Berry's senior notes.

Raymond James & Associates Inc., BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital Inc., Citigroup, Credit Suisse, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and RBC Capital Markets are joint book-running managers.

Houston-based Linn Energy LLC produces domestic oil and natural gas.