KUALA LUMPUR, 1 March 2021 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company announced that they have entered a definitive transaction agreement under which Goodyear will acquire Cooper in a transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately USD2.5 billion (RM10.1 billion).
The transaction will expand Goodyear’s product offering by combining two portfolios of complementary brands. It will also create a stronger U.S.-based manufacturer with increased presence in distribution and retail channels while combining both companies’ strengths in the highly profitable light truck and SUV product segments. The combined company will have approximately USD17.5 billion (RM70.7 billion) in pro forma 2019 sales.
Under the terms of the transaction, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Cooper shareholders will receive USD41.75 (RM168.69) per share in cash and a fixed exchange ratio of 0.907 shares of Goodyear common stock per Cooper share for a total equity value of approximately USD2.8 billion (RM11.3 billion).
Based on Goodyear’s closing stock price on 19 February 2021, the last trading day prior to the announcement, the implied cash and stock consideration to be received by Cooper shareholders is USD54.36 (RM219.64) per share, representing a premium of 24% to Cooper’s closing stock price on 19 February 2021, and a premium of 36% to Cooper’s 30-day volume weighted average price as of the close on 19 February 2021.
Upon closing of the transaction, Goodyear shareholders will own approximately 84% of the combined company, and Cooper shareholders will own approximately 16%.
Founded in 1914, Cooper is the 5th-largest tyre manufacturer in North America by revenue, with approximately 10,000 employees working in 15 countries worldwide. Cooper products are manufactured in 10 facilities around the globe, including wholly owned and joint venture plants. The company’s portfolio of brands includes Cooper, Mastercraft, Roadmaster and Mickey Thompson.
“This is an exciting and transformational day for our companies,” said Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chairman, chief executive officer and president. “The addition of Cooper’s complementary tyre product portfolio and highly capable manufacturing assets, coupled with Goodyear’s technology and industry leading distribution, provides the combined company with opportunities for improved cost efficiency and a broader offering for both companies’ retailer networks. We are confident this combination will enable us to provide enhanced service for our customers and consumers while delivering value for shareholders.”
Kramer added, “We have a great deal of respect for Cooper’s team and share a commitment to integrity, quality, agility and teamwork. We look forward to welcoming Cooper to the Goodyear family.”
Brad Hughes, Cooper president & chief executive officer, added, “Cooper has transformed into a dynamic, consumer-driven organisation that has balanced traditional and emerging channels to increase demand for our products, while updating and effectively leveraging our global manufacturing footprint. I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished over the past 107 years and am grateful to our talented employees for their contributions and commitment.
This transaction marks the start of a new chapter for Cooper, which we are entering from a position of strength. We believe that it represents an attractive opportunity to maximise value for our shareholders, who will receive a meaningful premium as well as the opportunity to participate in the upside of the combined company. We look forward to the opportunity to combine Cooper’s considerable talents with Goodyear’s, and to be part of a bigger, stronger organisation that will be competitively well-positioned to win in the global tyre industry.”
Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia, added, “Cooper is a heritage brand in the tyre industry with particular strength in light truck and SUV tyre segments. Both Goodyear and Cooper can achieve synergy with this acquisition. Cooper’s products will complement Goodyear’s existing product portfolio and their manufacturing assets can also enhance Goodyear’s manufacturing capabilities and capacity. Cooper can also enjoy wider distribution of their replacement tyres through Goodyear’s branded retail stores. We are happy to have Cooper on board with us at Goodyear and look forward to future development and production of top-quality tyres at an international level, to be continuously provided to our customers here in Malaysia.”
Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
- Strengthens Leadership Position in Global Tyre Industry
The transaction 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 increases the number of relationships with local automakers, while creating broader distribution for Cooper replacement tyres through Goodyear’s network of 2,500 branded retail stores.
- Combines Two Complementary Brand Portfolios with a Comprehensive Offering Across the Value Spectrum
The combined company will have the opportunity to leverage the strength of Goodyear original equipment and premium replacement tyres, along with the mid-tier power of the Cooper brand, which has particular strength in the light truck and SUV segments. Together, these brands have the opportunity to deliver a more complete offering to aligned distributors and retailers.
- Provides Significant, Immediate and Long-Term Financial Benefits
- Synergies and Tax Benefits
Goodyear expects to achieve approximately USD165 million (RM666 million) in run-rate cost synergies within two years following the close of the transaction. The majority of the cost synergies will be related to overlapping corporate functions and realising operating efficiencies. In addition, the combination is expected to generate net present value of USD450 million (RM1.82 billion) or more by utilising Goodyear’s available U.S. tax attributes. These tax attributes will reduce the company’s cash tax payments, positioning it to generate additional free cash flow. The expected cost synergies from this transaction do not include manufacturing-related savings.
- Earnings and Balance Sheet
The transaction is immediately accretive to earnings per share, modestly improves Goodyear’s balance sheet position and enhances the company’s ability to delever.
- Opportunity to Create Additional Value from Manufacturing and Distribution
Opportunities for expansion of select Cooper facilities will increase capital efficiency and flexibility. Additional revenue growth opportunities will result from the addition of the Cooper brand to Goodyear’s global distribution network.
- Increases Scale to Support Investments in New Mobility and Fleet Solutions
As an industry leader in the U.S., the combined company will offer tyre 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.
Timing, Approvals and Financing
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of Cooper shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021.
Goodyear intends to fund the cash portion of the transaction through debt financing and has secured a committed bridge financing facility led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Focused on a Successful Integration
With complementary business models, organisational structures and distribution channels, Goodyear and Cooper expect to execute a successful integration that captures the full benefits of the combination. The companies will prepare for integration focused on continuity of manufacturing, operations and customer service.
After closing, the combined company will be headquartered in Akron, Ohio, but Goodyear expects to maintain a presence in Findlay, Ohio.
