Dow Chemical Co. (DOW) completed the sale of its Netherlands-based crude oil refinery to Paris-based Total SA (TOT), one of the six major global oil companies, for about $800 million. The refinery is a key supplier of refined products, including diesel, to the European market. The move is in line with Dow’s strategy of divesting non-core assets. The deal received regulatory approval last month.

The Midlands, Michigan-based chemical company stated that the divestiture will increase its financial flexibility, improve cash flow and will help pay down debt. The company plans to use the proceeds from the deal to pay down debt, which was raised for the Rohm and Haas acquisition.

The Rohm and Haas acquisition increased Dow’s net debt from $8 billion to $22 billion in the first half of 2009. This resulted in a significant net cash deficit of $19 billion during the period. However, Dow Chemical has become

CityView Corporation Limited (CTVWF.OB) is an Australian-based natural resource company with a diverse portfolio of copper, gold, diamonds, coal, iron ore, rare earths and oil refinery interests. The company today announced a joint venture with Deanshanger Project Ltd. for the acquisition of a crude oil refinery with a daily capacity of 55,000 barrels.

The acquired Tagore Investments S.A. refinery will later be revamped to produce 100,000 barrels each day, and will be relocated to Nigeria. CityView CEO Mark Smyth said the company will commence shipment and construction of the new refinery this year, and will begin operations in early 2010.

“Following the installation of the first module, the JV has plans to increase production of the refinery to 100,000 bpd by 2011,” Smyth stated.

Deanshanger specializes in infrastructure development and project management, and will arrange the delivery of the project through a Public Private Partnership deal with DPL Energy Ltd.,