Goodyear Tire and Cooper Tire have entered a definitive transaction agreement under which Goodyear will acquire Cooper Tire in a transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $2.5 billion.

With this acquisition, Goodyear Tire will expand its product offering by combining two portfolios of complementary brands.

It will also create a stronger U.S.-based manufacturer with an 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 $17.5 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 $41.75 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 $2.8 billion. Based on Goodyear’s closing stock price on February 19, 2021, the last trading day prior to the announcement, the implied cash and stock consideration to be received by Cooper shareholders is $54.36 per share, representing a premium of 24% to Cooper’s closing stock price on February 19, 2021, and a premium of 36% to Cooper’s 30-day volume-weighted average price as of the close on February 19, 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 organization 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 Goodyear to Acquire Cooper, Creating StrongerU.S.-Based Leader in Global Tyre Industry 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 maximize 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 organization that will be competitively well-positioned to win in the global tire industry.” (TT)

The Rubber Board has announced the commencement date for a three-month Certificate Course in molecular biology and biotechnology techniques through the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT). The course begins on 7 May 2025 and the number of seats is limited to 15.

Graduates, postgraduates, research scholars and practitioners interested in academic and industrial employment based on molecular biology and biotechnology in any field of biological science are encouraged to apply by 1 May 2025, according to the organisation's press release. In addition to updating knowledge, the course focuses on developing practical skills in some of the fundamental molecular procedures, such as gene cloning, sequencing, gene expression, transgenic development and the extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). According to the statement, individuals who successfully complete the course will be qualified to participate in cutting-edge research in molecular biology and related fields as a potential career opportunity.

Interested candidates may contact on 9495928077 (WhatsApp 0481 2351313) or send a mail to training@rubberboard.org.in for more details.

Nexen Tire’s N’FERA Sport R and N’Blue 4 Season 2 tyres have emerged winners at the 2025 Green Good Design Awards, the eco-focused division of the Good Design Awards, organised by The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. Both the tyres were recognised in the Green Transportation category for their eco-friendly design.

The N’FERA Sport R, a high-performance summer tyre, was praised for its function-driven design that enhances driving performance and user convenience. The tyre features ‘Step Groove’ tread pattern, wherein the groove gradually expands the contact area as the tyre wears, which helps in maintaining the grip even in worn conditions. The circular wear indication in the middle of the tread diminishes over time, signalling that the tyre needs to be changed. To increase grip, the tyre also makes use of a broad contact patch and a high-carbon black compound. To improve stability and responsiveness at high speeds, the inside is constructed with a two-ply polyester framework and a twin steel belt. By avoiding wheel slide, these design elements contribute to steady performance even in high-torque electric vehicles.

Already a recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards (2022) and the ‘Green Tire’ seal from AutoBild (2023), the N’Blue 4Season 2 was also recognised in the same category for its eco-friendly design, which decreases tread wear, extends replacement cycles and lowers environmental impact. The tyre lasts longer and produces less waste thanks to a new compound that increases wear resistance by almost 30 percent over the previous model, supporting sustainability. Fine sipes are positioned in the middle of the tread blocks to guarantee uniform contact with the road. The outer tread's serrated edges enhance braking on snow, while the centre’s slanted support structure lessens block movement on uneven terrain for a more stable ride during the winter.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “This award highlights our commitment to shaping a sustainable mobility environment through design-driven innovation. This accolade confirms our commitment to sustainability and quality. We will continue to strengthen our brand through innovation and responsible management.”

Bekaert has flagged off its first fleet of LNG-powered trucks in India in collaboration with GreenLine, the country’s leading provider of sustainable heavy trucking solutions. The joint initiative is aimed at supporting India’s vision for a gas-based economy and reducing the carbon footprint of road logistics.

The foundation of the collaboration with GreenLine is a mutual dedication to operational innovation and ESG standards. Bekaert has the infrastructure required to trial this effort in Chennai and Halol, with plans to expand following a six-month learning period, thanks to GreenLine's LNG ecosystem, which is supported by real-time telemetry and a smooth refuelling network. It is anticipated that each LNG truck will save up to 24 tonnes of CO₂ a year, making a significant contribution to Bekaert's targets of 65 percent of sales coming from sustainable sources and carbon net zero by 2050.

Dinesh Mukhedkar, Procurement Operations Lead – South Asia and Procurement Global Shared Service Centre Lead, said, “As part of our purpose, ‘Establishing the new possible’, and our ambition to lead in safe, smart and sustainable solutions, decarbonising logistics is an essential step. Heavy-duty transport contributes nearly 90 percent of emissions in Indian logistics. Switching to LNG helps reduce CO₂ by up to 30 percent and particulate matter by up to 91 percent compared to diesel. GreenLine’s mission and integrated support made them the ideal partner. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for logistics in India.”

Trelleborg Tires is all prepped up to debut the ART1000, its first agricultural rubber track for high-powered machinery, at the upcoming Agrishow 2025, the largest agribusiness trade show in Latin America. The company will also display its TM150 CFO tyre, which is developed for a new generation of sprayers, along with a wide selection of products designed for modern farming. The event is scheduled to be held from 28 April to 2 May in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.

Trelleborg Tires enters the agricultural rubber track market with the ART1000, a tyre designed for high-horsepower machines. In addition to optimizing vehicle economy and offering additional strength and long-lasting durability, the ART1000 is engineered for remarkable adaptability and mobility of agricultural machinery in all operating circumstances. Its track design incorporates cutting-edge tread bars that reduce soil compaction, encouraging nutrient absorption and robust root development. In demanding high-pull applications, the high self-cleaning capability maximizes overall performance and lowers operating costs by improving ride quality and increasing traction. Even in the most demanding agricultural settings, ART1000's exceptional wear and cut resistance is ensured by its cutting-edge engineering and sophisticated rubber compounds.

The TM150 CFO series, which comes in sizes VF380/90R46 and has both VF (Very High Flexion) and CFO (Cyclic Field Operations) technology, is also making its debut in Brazil. CFO allows for greater load capacity during cyclic operations at up to 30 kmph when installed on contemporary, powerful sprayers. Because of its unique internal construction, the TM150 can operate at lower pressures, increasing its ground footprint, reducing soil compaction, and improving traction.

At Booth #E8b, Trelleborg will also display a range of high-performance tyre solutions including PneuTrac, a hybrid between a radial agricultural tyre and a track designed for smooth navigation in vineyards and orchards, the multi-award-winning TM1000 ProgressiveTraction tyre and the company’s patented agricultural TW rim profile for contemporary tractors, combines and harvesters.

Marcelo Natalini, President at Yokohama TWS South America, said, “Trelleborg Tires brings innovation from the soil up, delivering high-performing tyre solutions to boost productivity and protect their land. At Agrishow 2025, agri professionals will have the chance to connect with our tyre experts on site and see these technologies live, from the new ART1000 rubber track to our most advanced tyre ranges, designed to handle the challenges of next-generation machinery and modern field operations.”