One unique aspect of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s announcement Monday that it would acquire the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. in a deal worth around $2.5 billion is that both companies are based in Ohio.
Goodyear is in Akron and Cooper in Findlay.
With that, Ohio's U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman offered statements on the announcement:
“The announced merger between Goodyear and Cooper Tires ensures that our state can remain a global leader in tire and rubber manufacturing," Brown said. "The success of both of these companies is driven by their talented, organized workforce, and we look forward to working with all parties involved to make sure any merger honors contract commitments made to Ohio workers and invests in American manufacturing.”
The two companies employ about 72,000 worldwide.
“Both of these Ohio companies are global leaders in the tire industry with impressive track records of innovation and success," Portman said. "I look forward to learning more about the acquisition and will do all I can to help support and protect these critical Ohio jobs moving forward.”