Former Goodyear Exec Who Fought Goldsmith Dies

(Akron/Tire Review) Frederick Myers, instrumental in helping Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. fight off takeover attempts, including Sir James Goldsmith’s “greenmail” takeover effort that nearly crippled the tiremaker, passed away July 18. Mr Myers, who was 81, served as Goodyear vice president, general counsel and secretary.

Mr Myers was part of Goodyear’s SWAT Team, an in-house group formed in the 1980s to fend off hostile takeover attempts. The SWAT Team met each morning with then Goodyear Chairman and CEO Robert Mercer. The group gained its greatest victory in 1986 when it fended off Goldsmith costly takeover attempt.