 Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. Nasdaq: GT announced Monday it will acquire Cooper Tire NYSE: CTB in a 2.5 billion deal to strengthen its market position in the global tire industry. Goodyear said the acquisition of Cooper Tire doubles its presence in China while increasing the number of relationships with Chinese automakers, and also broadens distribution for Cooper replacement tires through Goodyears network of 2,500 branded retail stores. 