Judge: Apollo Tires' union talks did not breach Cooper deal Fri Nov 8, 2013 4:26pm EST (Reuters) - Apollo Tires Ltd did not breach its obligation to try to negotiate with unions in its failed deal with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co, a Delaware judge said on Friday, according to a person attending the hearing. Cooper had accused Apollo of India of intentionally dragging its feet in talks with the United Steel Workers as an excuse to seek a reduction in the original $2.5 billion agreement, which did not close by October 4 as anticipated. Cooper shares fell sharply as the judge's comments reached investors. The shares ended down 11.45 percent at $23.82 on the New York Stock Exchange. Apollo had agreed to buy Cooper for $35 per share. Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware