Barrick signs tire deal with Yokohama

Gold giant Barrick Gold (ABX-T, ABX-N), has signed a 10-year agreement with Japanese tire company Yokohama Rubber.

Under the deal, Barrick can purchase nearly $200 million in tires, and beginning in 2009, the gold-mining heavy hitter will buy 1,300 tires a year.

In addition to the purchasing agreement, Barrick will fund a primary loan of $35 million to Yokohama to expand the Onomichi plant, located near Hiroshima, in Japan. The expansion will include a new building, production line and related equipment.