Consol Energy Inc. said it will sell about $1.75 billion in common stock in a public offering.

The coal and natural gas producer anticipates using the offering's net proceeds to fund part of its $3.48 billion acquisition of the Appalachian exploration and production business of Dominion Resources Inc. except for some assets located in natural gas storage fields and part of the cost for the previously announced acquisition of shares which it does not own of CNX Gas Corp.

If the buyouts are not completed, Consol plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including future acquisitions, capital expenditures, additions to working capital, buybacks and repayment or refinancing of debt.

The company will give the underwriters a 30-day option to buy up to an additional $263 million shares to cover any overallotments.