AKRON, OH — The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has completed the previously announced sale of its stake in Goodyear Sumatra Plantations (GSP) to Bridgestone Corporation for approximately $62 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.

Goodyear said the decision to sell its 95 percent stake in GSP is consistent with its strategy to focus on core business activities.

This transaction is not expected to significantly impact the company’s ability to acquire natural rubber for its operations. GSP, which began operations in North Sumatra, Indonesia in 1917, has approximately 5,000 employees. Goodyear recorded a non-cash after-tax charge of $15.6 million (8 cents per share) in the fourth quarter of 2004 in connection with the transaction due primarily to the write-off of cumulative foreign currency translation.

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