Goodyear buys Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Industry Outlook Team | Tuesday, 08 June 2021

Text Size:

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (Nasdaq: GT), one of the world’s major tire companies. Employing about 72,000 people and manufacturing products in 54 facilities in 23 countries around the world has proclaimed that it has completed its acquirement of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, concluding the merger agreement made public on February 22.

The combination unites two leading tire firms with complementary product portfolios, services and capabilities to create a stronger U.S.-based leader in the global tire industry. The combined firm would provide more options across the value spectrum making it easier for customers and consumers to choose Goodyear- and Cooper-branded tires.

“We are excited to officially bring Goodyear and Cooper together and unite our shared focus on customers, innovation and high-quality products and solutions. This combination strengthens Goodyear’s ability to serve more consumers globally and provides increased scale to support greater investments in new mobility and fleet solutions,” stated Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chairman, chief executive officer and President.

The Cooper Acquisition is projected to:

• Reinforcing Goodyear’s Leading Position in Global Tire Industry. The acquirement further strengthens Goodyear’s leading position in the U.S., while significantly growing its position in other North American markets. In China, the combination nearly doubles Goodyear’s presence

and upsurges the number of relationships with local automakers, while creating broader distribution for Cooper replacement tires through Goodyear’s network of 2,500 branded retail stores.

• Combine Two Complementary Brand Portfolios with a Comprehensive Offering across the Value Spectrum. The combined firm would have the opportunity to leverage the asset of Goodyear original equipment and premium replacement tires, along with the mid-tier power of the Cooper brand, which has particular strength in the light truck and SUV sectors.

• Provide Significant, Immediate and Long-Term Financial Benefits:

• Synergies and Tax Benefits. Goodyear supposes to achieve approximately $165 million in run-rate cost synergies within two years. The majority of the cost synergies would be related to overlapping corporate functions and realizing operating efficiencies. In addition, the combination is likely to generate net present value of $450 million or more by utilizing Goodyear’s available U.S. tax attributes. These tax attributes are predictable to decrease the company’s cash tax payments, positioning it to generate additional free cash flow. The expected cost synergies do not comprise manufacturing-related savings.

• Earnings and Balance Sheet. The acquirement is expected to be accretive to earnings per share within the first full year following closing, modestly improves Goodyear’s balance sheet position and enhances the company’s ability to de-lever.

• Make Additional Value from Manufacturing and Distribution. Opportunities for expansion of select Cooper facilities are expected to upsurge capital efficiency and flexibility. Additional revenue growth opportunities are expected to outcome from the addition of the Cooper brand to Goodyear’s global distribution network.

• Rise Scale to Support Investments in New Mobility and Fleet Solutions. As an industry leader in the U.S., the combined firm would offer tire products and a broad selection of services through Goodyear’s relationships with traditional and emerging original equipment manufacturers; autonomous driving system developers; new and established fleet operators; and other mobility platforms.

With complementary business models, organizational structures and distribution channels, Goodyear would integrate the best of Goodyear and Cooper in order to advantage its shareholders, customers, consumers and employees. As a result of the closing, Cooper’s common stock would cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.