Cooper Tire to Engage New Advertising and PR Agencies

FINDLAY, OHIO, SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 — COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY (NYSE: CTB) announced today that it has named two agencies to manage its North American advertising and public relations efforts following a comprehensive national agency search and review. Recognizing that specialization of services can bring benefits to the company's overall marketing efforts, MARC USA from Pittsburgh, Pa., will handle Cooper Tire's advertising account, while The Zimmerman Agency out of Tallahassee, Fla., will direct the public relations and social media efforts for the company.

 

MARC USA will provide strategic direction regarding advertising creative, media buying and planning, as well as consumer and dealer campaigns and promotions. They are an employee-owned, integrated marketing communications firm based in Pittsburgh, Pa., and represent companies like Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, True Value Hardware, Rite Aid Pharmacies, Moen Faucets, Krups Appliances, General Growth Properties Malls, Alouette Cheese and others. The MARC USA team is in the top 20 independent agencies in the U.S.

 

The Zimmerman Agency's public relations and interactive group, headquartered in Tallahassee, Fla., has an impressive understanding of public relations and social marketing. They have an exceptional resume of previous experience, including well-known brands such as Aflac, Dell, Ritz-Carlton Destination Clubs, PGA Tour, Firehouse Subs, Party City and Nature's Own. The public relations and digital divisions of The Zimmerman Agency are ranked within the largest in the U.S. and are part of the TBWA network of Omnicom.

 

It is expected that MARC USA and Zimmerman will complete their orientation to Cooper Tire during the fourth quarter 2009 for immediate impact in 2010.

 

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is a global company that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sales of passenger car and light truck tires and subsidiaries that specialize in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. With headquarters in Findlay, Ohio, Cooper Tire has manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design facilities within its family of companies located in 10 countries around the world.