As most people know, a large portion of the world’s most well-known and most powerful companies commenced in America. These groups were just small enterprises prior to the world-conquering status and power that these titanic conglomerates achieved. The business world is often not what it appears to be, however. A business could have started in America, but it could very well soon have broader horizons. Amazingly, there are so many more brands that have departed from the USA than you may have previously estimated. Holiday Inn, IBM, even Ben and Jerry’s – these have all become international bodies. So, why do seemingly patriotic companies leave for distant shores? Let’s find out!
The Proudly American Companies Which Don’t Want You Knowing They Left The USA
General Electric
General Electric’s humble 1982 beginnings could never have imagined their manifestation in such a short time into such a colossal force to be reckoned with. Nowadays, it has branched out far beyond electronics, with venture capital, healthcare, energy, and even aviation all included in its portfolio. Although the company that stamps its goods with “Made in America” is not lying, their production has remained in the U.S., but what many might not know is that, for several years now, General Electric has been the property of Chinese business, Haier. Haier took control of General Electric in 2016 for the astronomical amount of $5.4 billion, and control of the company remains in China.
General Electric
AMC
AMC is proud to have provided its many audiences with around one hundred years of cinema pleasure, this business long ago established itself as a global leader in movie theater production and maintenance. Ironically, “AMC” stands for “American Multi-Cinema,” which is why it is rather amusing that Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese business, took over the majority stakeholder position between 2012 and 2018. After that, the power balance shifted slightly when Silver Lake Partners purchased a stake in AMC worth $600 million. Regardless, Wanda Group continues to be the main shot caller for AMC.
AMC
Budweiser
When it comes to brews, Americans are convinced that Budweiser is the face of their nation’s beer goodness. It could have been a legitimate source of pride once upon a time; however, the modern reality of the once Missouri-based company should not be taken from its containers’ “America” labels. A Belgium brewery behemoth captured Budweiser in 2008 for $52 billion. Regardless of its Missouri origins, this company has a Belgium base nowadays. At least we can be grateful for the new owners’ reluctance to mess with the formula. You can still enjoy that good old-fashioned American flavor!
Budweiser
Ben & Jerry’s
Ice-cream is widely regarded as one of humanity’s most beloved sweet treats, and is a staple of American yumminess, with Americans going crazy for the cold stuff. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield started the ice-cream company in 1978 in Vermont as a regular ice cream parlor. Somehow it developed into a pop culture phenomenon, making regular appearances in television series and films. 22 years after their humble beginnings, Unilever bought the best friends out for $326 million. Three major companies entered a bidding war for the ice-cream empire, with the London-based Unilever uninterested in fooling around. The already phenomenally diverse conglomerate was further boosted by this acquisition.
Ben And Jerrys
Burger King
The United States is synonymous with fast food, and not for no reason. With so many indigenous burger joints around, it’s no surprise that places like Burger King, the first of which was created by James McLamore and David Egerton, are so prominent in people’s understanding of the country. The partners could never have expected that they would soon be the literal kings of burgers back in 1954. They did not hold on to it for very long, however, and the company has changed hands several times after ten years of the partner’s original ownership. Currently, a Canadian business known as Restaurant Brands International owns it. The kings of burgers continue to be backed by New York City’s 3G Capital.
Burger King
Trader Joe’s
Convenience stores are notoriously aggressive with one another, especially in densely populated areas. Joe Coulombe commenced stocking food products in 1967 which were hard to find, prompting customers to dump 7-Eleven in favor of his Californian store. He was successful, and despite it going on to major success, he still sold the business in 1979. Theo Albrecht is the current owner, and his other prized possession is the German Aldi Nord supermarket chain. With a predicted $16 billion net worth, Theo and his family are incredibly influential.
Trader Joes
Lucky Strike
Those familiar with American cigarette culture will tell you that it doesn’t get more traditional than Lucky Strike when it comes to smokes. The early to mid-20th century saw American consumers being rocked by Lucky Strike’s phenomenal marketing plan. The company reached the top place in cigarette sales consequently. It was in 1976 that Lucky Strike joined forces with British American Tobacco. Then, in 1994, the British business acquired the American Tobacco Company, which included Pall Mall and Lucky Strike as its subsidiaries. Despite having seen a lot of shifting around, Lucky Strike continues to be fondly regarded as an American standard in cigarette and pop culture. Mad Men fans will know this brand very well.
Lucky Strike
American Apparel
People were so incredibly hooked by American Apparel thanks to its “Made in the USA – Sweatshop-free” promise. This was an incredible way to convince consumers with a conscience to follow the Los Angeles group. This business was flourishing prior to 2015 when it began fighting for productivity. Two years later, Gildan Activewear, a Canadian company, rescued American Apparel from certain doom by seizing its means for production for $88 million. This emergency sale certainly saved American Apparel from dissolving catastrophically. Well, at least the company is still technically American.
American Apparel
7-Eleven
Most leading businesses commenced by one or two people with a serious vision for the future. 7-Eleven was no different. Jefferson Green began looking at how he could improve on his employer’s products available, all the way back in 1927. He began selling milk, bread, and eggs. The Dallas company enjoyed much growth thanks to his ingenuity, changing its name to 7-Eleven based on its opening times. Many years later, America finds much cultural and financial significance in the convenience store chain. The 1987 economic crash may have set it back, but a Japanese business named Ito-Yokado came to the rescue. Following this acquisition, 7-Eleven has remained as a Seven & I Holdings subsidiary.
7 Eleven
Sunglass Hut
Americans have been protecting their eyes from the sun’s harshness with Sunglass Hut for a long time. The business provides a wide range of eyewear, from tinted to clear. You can also find Sunglass Hut in the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and other countries too. Furthermore, it had an expertly relevant founder called Sanford Ziff, a Miami optometrist. In 1986, the company celebrated its 100th store, only to be sold five years later. The Luxottica group purchased the company in 2001 for $653 million. Since this purchase, the business went on to enjoy over 1,300 locations, and today there are almost 2,000 shops in global existence!
Sunglass Hut
Hellman’s
How delicious is Hellman’s mayonnaise? You most likely have purchased a jar of the good stuff at least once this month. Richard Hellmann took the American public’s tastebuds by storm when he imported the French sauce in 1905. His shop became so overrun by mayonnaise fiends that it wasn’t long before this was his sole item on sale. Best Foods acquired the company in 1932 and carried it from strength to strength until the end of the century. Unilever then took over in 2000 at a skyrocketing $20.3 billion purchase. For just some mayonnaise, that is an incredible amount of money.
Hellmans
Motorola
You might have presumed that Motorola was a Japanese, Korean, or Chinese-owned business to begin with (more on that later), but it was actually started up in Schaumburg, Illinois, many years before humans started even thinking about cellphones. Following its 1928 conception, the company continued to grow until it became the tech giant we know it as today. It would then be purchased by Google, which took control for $12 billion, and a couple of years later it resold for $2.9 billion. In modern times, people cannot understand why Google managed to make $10 billion on this transaction.
Motorola
Ironman
Marathon runners will be familiar with the Ironman competition, which began as an initiative from the Hawaii Triathlon Corporation. Dr. James P. Gills purchased the group in 1990 for $3 million. Following this purchase, the company has grown amazingly since its comparatively humble beginnings. Providence Equity Securities then bought it again in 2008 for $85 million. You might have guessed this trend by now, with Dalian Wanda Group being the next holder for a rousing $650 million in 2015. The Chinese business happily undertook the previous owners’ massive debt to take over. It was worth the trouble, however, as Wanda has managed to secure a yearly 40% growth for the company.
Ironman
Forbes
Here we have another early 20th-century American-born, classic company with more than a century’s worth of successful runnings. This magazine is a leading authority in all things business and economics, best known for ranking powerful individuals and companies alike in wealth. Whenever anyone wants to know where someone stands in the hierarchy of the world’s richest, they turn to Forbes. Despite plenty of people believing that Forbes is one of the centers of American business media, the reality is that a Hong Kong-based business took control all the way back in 2014. Integrated Whale Media Investments purchased Forbes for $400 million. Not much seems to have changed in the media giant’s operation, however.
Forbes
Dirt Devil
With over a century’s worth of running, the vacuum cleaners from Dirt Devil have maintained American households for a long time. The machine was created in 1905 by Philip Geier within Cleveland, Ohio. Geier then became incredibly ambitious with his inventions, and in time we would see over 25 million items fly off the shelves. The Cyclone system can be thanked for much of this success. Despite still being based in America with its North Carolina HQ, the brains of this business have now been overtaken by Techtronic Industries of China. Dirt Devil is just part of the tech giant’s range, even possessing another American home appliance staple: Hoover. The Hong Kong multinational will continue to boost its appliance portfolio!
Dirt Devil
Good Humor
Maybe your parents are better acquainted with Good Humor ice cream. This business is another century-old business that is a nostalgic hero thanks to its famous ice cream trucks. During the 20s, the Ohio ice cream empire began and kept growing in power. Thomas J. Lipton became very taken with the business in 1961 and went forward with its purchase. Despite the fact that the American wing of the British-Dutch business is controlled by Lipton, Good Humor has developed marvelously since. You won’t believe how diverse the former ice-cream-focused company has become, with an equally varied consumer group.
Good Humor
Popsicle
This is one incredible tale. At just 11 years old, Californian Francis Epperson created the world-famous Popsicle when he forgot his cup of juice outside on a severely cold night. After finding his drink turned to ice, he knew that this would become a huge hit in time. As he grew older, Epperson brought this refreshing treat to humanity. Everyone loved it, and in 1925, the young man sold the whole operation to Joe Lowe. This was a massive mistake, of course, and Epperson commented that “I haven’t been the same since.” Popsicle would then later be taken over by its competitor Good Humor in 1989 during its status as a Unilever subsidiary. Basically, Popsicle would eventually become internalized by the previously mentioned English-Dutch business too.
Popsicle
Purina
Purina was kickstarted by George Robinson, William Andrews, and William H. Danforth in 1984 as a means to nourish farm animals. This wholesome initiative was bound for a sensational fortune. Although Nestle is far better known for its chocolates and produce, Purina was acquired by the Switzerland-based multinational in December 2011 for $10.3 billion. They would then go ahead and merge the livestock feeding operation with Friskies PetCare, which is responsible for the business’ pet food operation. Regardless, Purina is still adored by farmers inside and outside of America.
Purina
Firestone
Firestone was given the chance to fuse with Italian business Pirelli, to Firestone’s eventual dissatisfaction. Firestone soon decided that things weren’t going to work out with Pirelli, eventually selling to Bridgestone Corp. the prominant Japanese automobile company. Those incredible $80 shares were a result of the $2.6 million acquisition that the Japanese tire conglomerate secured. This incredible strategy boosted Bridgestone to a being the runner-up as Japan’s tire manufacturing leaders. One Firestone official spoke to the Los Angeles Times, saying that, “The Bridgestone offer achieves our objective of enhancing shareholder values and will add materially to the employment security and career opportunities available to the men and women employed by Firestone’s existing businesses.”
Firestone
Gerber
Gerber Products Company was one of Nestle’s many targets, and in 2007 the conglomerate acquired it for $5.5 billion. This was a fantastic move for the Swiss giant, successfully securing the majority of the baby food business. This is obviously an incredibly beneficial market. It was when Mrs. Gerber commenced cooking baby food in 1927 for their baby girl that this company took off. After seeing just how much his daughter enjoyed his wife’s cooking, Daniel Frank Gerber was convinced that he had a real business on his hands, starting off with five delicious varieties. It is amazing to see how something started in someone’s kitchen can become a universally enjoyed product.
Gerber
Citgo
Oklahoma’s 1910 witnessing of the Citgo initiative saw an incredible refining and marketing initiative for fuels and other energy sources. The Venezuelan business Petróleos de Venezuela purchased 50% of the shares and repurposed it as its parent company. Tragically, the situation soon devolved into chaos. President Hugo Chaves himself announced to global media that Citgo was to be released, calling the whole ordeal “bad business” which cost the whole country a lot of money. The sale failed to materialize, and Venezuela was forced to sell the company as bonds. 2013 saw the country rocked with an economic depression. We have yet to see whether its Russian debt collateral rescue has been a success or not.
Citgo
IBM (PC Division)
IBM has continually kept the United States abreast of all modern technology and computer science. Back in the day, the company’s focus was geared toward economic machine production than computer development. IBM has something of colorful history, to put it mildly. 2004 saw Lenovo purchase IBM’s PC wing for $1.75 billion. Lenovo’s former CEO, Chuanzhi Liu, excitedly announced his business’ upgrade to multinational status with the joining of IBM. Then there was Sam Palmisano, the CEO of IBM, who stated that Liu’s announcement assured his company’s ability to stay abreast of the changing tides within the world of information technology.
IBM
Legendary Entertainment Group
Following the purchase of AMC by Dalian Wanda Group and their combined prominence within the film sector, it realized that it was time to purchase a film studio in 2016. Legendary Entertainment Group handed the reins over to the China-based multinational in an acquisition that went for $3.5 billion. During this process, Dalian Wanda Group looked to integrate it within its already beefy portfolio. Things didn’t pan out that way, however, as it finally came to the conclusion of remaining the same. It is now 2020 – how well has LEG performed since all these changes? Following the purchase, we have seen classics such as Pacific Rim: Uprising, Skyscraper!, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and a few other blockbuster hits.
Legendary Entertainment Group
Hoover US
Hoover went into business all the way back in 1908, and has since become a leading brand in domestic and professional cleaning sectors alike. William Henry Hoover is the company’s namesake, adding to the legendary status of this beloved company. Although this business stayed within American borders for over one hundred years, it was in 2006 that a $107 acquisition was pulled off by Techtronic Industries. It’s North Carolina HQ remains, but the base of operations has now moved to Hong King. The Chinese business is fathomless, with over 30,000 people dedicated to its objectives, and an annual selling target exceeding $7.7 billion. What a fantastic way to improve a business!
Hoover US
Frigidaire
Initially named the Guardian Frigerator Company, it was in 1918 within Indiana that Frigidaire came to be. Although the concept for the whole business was supplied by Nathaniel B. Wales and Alfred Mellowes, the two suffered a capital deficit needed to get the business off the ground. William C. Durant of General Motors fame then swept in to the rescue! The economic legend backed their business, allowing the pair to elevate it to its current reputation. The White Sewing Machine Company took control in 1979, but then in 1986, Electrolux from Sweden’s world of the business purchased it. Frigidaire still maintains its place as a subsidiary of this business, an incredible position for everyone involved.
Frigidaire
Strategic Hotels And Resorts
Have you ever visited one of the 17 opulent hotels which this chain enjoys, 16 of which are in America, the last in Germany? It was in 1997 that Strategic Hotels and Resorts commenced. This was the real estate investor and philanthropist, Laurence. S. Geller’s master business strategy which Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese business, was supposedly on the verge of quiring in 2016 for $6.5 million. It seems like this deal entered a stalemate, however, as Strategic Hotels and Resorts’ sale eventually shed one million dollars. This loss was due to a troublesome property being barred from sale, due to its strategic proximity to a naval base.
Strategic Hotels And Resorts
Alka – Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer was probably selling medicine to your great-grandparents, that is how old the original Dr. Miles Medicine Company (later to be renamed Miles Laboratories is), which commenced supplying people with an antacid and pain relief drink during the 30s. Although it stayed in American possession for many years, Bayer, a German business, would purchase it in 1978. Bayer was no small act, known for standing among the world’s leading pharmaceutical business. You might remember the “Strike Up A Conversation” tagline? Well, this was borne of cooperation between Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline to push the performance of Levitra.
Alka Seltzer
The Chrysler Building
Sometime last year, there were plenty of shocked readers who opened one month’s edition of The Wall Street Journal to see a special on the Chrysler Building’s new owners. Being almost as iconic within America as the Statue of Liberty, its citizens were completely unaware that they were no longer the historical building’s possessors any longer. The Abu Dhabi Investment Council paid $800 million to become the majority owner in 2008. SIGNA, an Austrian business, then came in ten years later with a new bid of more than $150 million. Financiers and ordinary people around the world lamented this tragic pawning of American culture.
The Chrysler Building
General Motors
You might not believe that one of America’s biggest automobile producers, and one of the world’s most well-established car manufacturers, has changed into foreign hands. Well, not entirely, as the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp left some control to the American branch. It was in 1998 that the two powerhouses joined forces. Amazingly, SAIC covertly peddles vehicles under the General Motors name! Regardless, there is still some firm differentiability between General Motors and SAIC, with respective headquarters in Detroit and Shanghai.
General Motors
Spotify
Spotify revolutionized how humanity in general enjoys music, allowing us all to enjoy our favorite tunes whenever and wherever we like. Spotify must be celebrated, having commenced in 2006 by a bunch of New Yorkers. Although it was quickly acquired by a Swedish business, Spotify has hopped around the world since. Tencent Holdings and Spotify bought 10% stakes within one another. This union has greatly aided Spotify to break into China’s music streaming sector, and provided Tencent a chance at diversifying its portfolio. Prior to joining hands, Spotify was getting nowhere with its Chinese ambitions.
Spotify
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel
If you want to talk about opulent hotel living, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel often comes to mind. This place goes beyond New York’s hotel scene, it is also integral to understanding America’s history. Although Hilton Worldwide is the body, the Anbang Insurance Group has been the brain since 2014 onward with a purchase of $1.95 billion. As you probably guessed from reading that figure, this was the priciest hotel sale ever. The Chinese business then took a sensational set of toolboxes and transformed a portion of it into condos and apartments. The insurance business is dedicated to eating up as many American companies as possible. Starwood Resorts is one plot that it won’t be forgetting about.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Tesla
Elon Musk is regarded as the genius of Tesla and happens to be the Californian business’ majority shareholder thanks to a 21.7% stake. Beyond his presence, the business enjoys a variety of shareholders, not to mention Tencent Holdings Ltd. Beyond streaming music, Tencent seems to have its fingers in many tech pies. Tencent is the king of the gaming industry, as well as a leviathan within social media. It reported a $95.8 billion profit in 2019. While we cannot be sure what they are up to, whatever it is, they are winning! Keep your eyes on this mammoth.
Tesla
Snapchat
Ah, the people responsible for the selfie craze. Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy released an app in 2011, unaware of how it would blow up. Currently, the selfie-sharing giant is valued at over $20 billion. Coming back to Tencent, the Chinese business honed in on Snapchat too. They came in with the big guns, knowing their no-nonsense approach to business, acquiring a 10% stake at $2 billion. Besides this huge stake, Tencent aided Snapchat in establishing their AR services.
Snapchat
Ingram Micro
Ingram Micro commenced as a tiny tech stock supplier in 1979. Whatever its employees’ strategy was, it managed to erupt into a multi-billion dollar empire. Throughout the beginning of the 90s, it managed to acquire Softinvest, a Belgium business. Ingram now was strong enough to supply HP items and tear away a larger stake in the market. 2016 saw Tianjin Tianhai Investment (which falls under the HNA Group) purchase Ingram at a $6 billion sale. The money was worth it, because Ingram quickly became the head business’ leading cash cows. To Ingram’s benefit, a larger global reach was given.
Ingram Micro
Fidelity & Guaranty Life
From the moment that Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company was established in 1959 in Des Moines, Illinois, an enormous number of people had their livelihoods secured. Ironically, the company should have spent more time on its own future. Formerly owned by the Harbinger Group, the parent business hoisted up into common grounds in 2013. Fidelity & Guaranty Life was then purchased by the Anbang Insurance Group at $1.57 billion. It seemed like the marvelous deal was about to be processed when Anbang suddenly got cold feet and the whole thing was canceled. It wasn’t the end of the hopes for a brighter future, however, as CF Corp purchased it in 2017 for almost $1.84.
Fidelity And Guaranty Life
Universal Music Group
If you are desperate to make it in the music industry, you could do a lot worse than being hired by Universal Music Group. Among the music industry, there is the “Big Three,” of which UMG is a proud member with almost one hundred years of service to music. Plenty of proudly American artists owes their livelihoods and successes to the business, even if it is not part of the United States any longer. Vivendi, a French business, enjoyed a majority stake which it secured over ten years ago. Tencent then came in for an incredible deal in 2020, and the men from Shenzhen put down $33.4 billion for a 10% share in this giant of the music industry.
Universal Music Group
WeWork
Here we have a controversial entry, with most businesspeople being well aware of how this workspace letting enterprise suffered when its CEO became toxically overambitious and nearly ran the company into the ground with debt in 2016. Luckily for them, Legend Holdings Corp. of Beijing happily “partnered” with them, injecting over $430 million into the business. This was an almost obvious power move, with the Beijing corporation’s official, John Zhao, readily admitting that “Our investment in WeWork is both strategic and obvious.”
WeWork
Segway Inc
Do you remember how exhilaratingly futuristic your first ride on a Segway felt? Segway Inc. takes your understanding of modern life and upgrades its way ahead of our time. Ninebot, a Beijing business, acquired the nifty ride business in 2015 for $80 million. The situation has come a long way since this purchase, as Ninebot allowed Segway to become a global leader in robotics and tech. The business declared in 2018 that it was hoping to shift its supply zone to China from New Hampshire. It finally changed gears and kept manufacturing local, namely in Bedford.
Segway Inc
John Hancock Life Insurance
The John Hancock Financial Opportunities brand is home to a plethora of varied products, but life insurance policies are its crown jewels. The company commenced in 1862 in Boston. Manulife Financial took it in during 2014. Despite being digested by the Canadian parent company, John Hancock remained relatively unchanged. The Toronto owner is made up of around 34,000 workers and is supported by 63,000 agents. Talk about a massive army!
John Hancock Life Insurance
Sotheby’s
What aren’t Chinese life insurance businesses fascinated by? Clearly not opulent art auctions. Sotheby’s commenced in 1744 within London. New York would become its next base of operations, prior to establishing itself in further international locations. Taikang Life Insurance Co. Ltd., a Chinese business, declared in 2016 that it would soon become Sotheby’s majority shareholder. This would be the case until Patrick Drahi, the Israeli-French tycoon who would take control in 2019 of Sotheby’s. If Taikang is still enjoying that 13.5% stake in the auction house, then it has kept that fact a secret…
Sothebys
The Barclays Center
The famous Barclays Center has hosted more musical and sporting events than most stadiums in the world. Joseph Tsai, the Taiwanese-Canadian mogul bought the iconic venue in 2019. Beyond this, the Brooklyn Nets (part of the NBA) was bought by the chairman of the Alibaba Group. They were very excited to introduce their basketball offerings through the Barclays Center. They reassured those invested in the process that they were highly committed to Brooklyn and that through their wielding of the Barclays Center, they could provide fantastic entertainment.
The Barclays Center
Brookstone Inc
Brookstone Inc. commenced as a mail-order company during the 1960s as a rare and unique tool selling operation. A while later, it began selling quite an eclectic range of objects, such as remote-controlled toys and alarm clocks, among many others. America enjoyed 34 of its spots in 2018. Things became unmanageably trying in 2018, however, and Brookstone Inc. ended up filing for bankruptcy. Thankfully, Sanpower and Sailing Capital of China came to the rescue at the ideal moment to ensure that the business was spared liquidation. There were many who expressed their gratitude as the business skipped bankruptcy in a manner of months by July 2014.
Brookstone Inc
Dairy Farmers of America Inc
Many people might struggle to understand how this business ended up shaking hands with Chinese businesspeople. Hard to believe, but completely factual! Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group partnered with DFA to produce milk powder inside a novel processing plant. This initiative went through following New Zealand’s longstanding famine period, severely limiting China’s milk supply. To reverse this deficit, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group entered the global stage. Despite simply being partners with DFA, they have an almost dependent relationship with one another.
Dairy Farmers Of America Inc
Fab.com Inc
The online design sector is rife with rivalry and cutthroat tactics. Initially New York-based Fab.com Inc went on to land around $1 billion thanks to Tencent Holdings. Fab had Asia in its sights, saying that their need for the appropriate partnerships would secure their chances of making it there, as stated by Jason Goldberg, the CEO. A couple of years passed, and a business named PCH International purchased the business during 2015. Following this event, the Fab has transformed itself toward the wellness and yoga market.
Fab Com Inc
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The NBA accepted this team in 1970 thanks to its sponsors’ efforts. The Cleveland Cavaliers then continued to blossom all the way to modern times. The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company sponsored them. 2019 came and the team had an international backing secured. The players would end up falling in the hands of Jianhua, a Chinese entrepreneur with a large stake in several American sports teams. The man enjoys a 15% stake within the elite ballers team. Believe it or not, your favorite sports teams could be in an unlikely individual’s back pocket! Lebron James is something of a phenomenon in China!
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Riot Games Inc
Are you one of the millions of people playing the multiplayer sensation called League of Legends? If so, then you are definitely acquainted with its creator, Riot Games. LoL was unleashed all the way back in 2009 and continues to this day to dominate the gaming audience. Although Tencent and Riot Games have been in cahoots for a long period, it was in 2015 that they achieved their highest joint performance. Riot Games would be bought by the Chinese group when it acquired the remaining stakes. Tencent may as well have gone the full way with the acquirement process, already having 93% of Riot Games, anyway. Riot Games is apparently worth $6 billion
Riot Games Inc
Uber Technologies Inc
Can you imagine a world where you actually have to drive places? Uber has revolutionized transportation. Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick invented Uber back in 2009. The service has evolved so much since, and quickly became a world leader in public transportation. There are so many countries’ roads run by Uber. Baidu Inc. an online-based Chinese business, backed Uber with $600 with the goal of bringing the convenient service to the mainland. Baidu made the most out of this app to develop its personal remote payment service. What are friends for?
Uber Technologies Inc
OmniVision Technologies Inc
Along with Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd, OmniVision Technologies Inc. commenced a joint effort that was so stealthily entered that people would only learn of its place after a whole year! This story eventually made headlines in April 2019, by the time the partners were well into landing their $2.1 billion transactions. With such subtle strategies in hand, we cannot really tell you much about this acquisition. It was revealed, however, that OmniVision opened negotiations with Chinese backers all the way back in 2015. At this stage, the Californian business was being acquired by a collection of Chinese ones at $1.9 billion. It remains out of common understanding, just why an obscure business such as Will Semiconductor Co. Ltd decided to integrate OmniVision.
OmniVision Technologies Inc
Baby Trend Inc
Another Californian business, Baby Trend Inc. supplies a plethora of services, such as diaper pails and vehicle Highchairs. When Alpha Group of Chinese business prominence purchased Baby Trend Inc., a far greater level of infants began enjoying the company’s superior products. According to the vice-president of Alpha Group, Wang Jing, it was his honor to help spearhead this newfound investment in infant wellness and development on a global scale. He continued by saying that it was very important that infants’ needs should receive plenty of research and development, to best allow the industry overall to continue to blossom.
Baby Trend Inc
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Plenty of businesspeople were perplexed as to why Concord Medical Services from Beijing bought a fifth of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Proton Therapy Center in 2012. Despite avoiding in the meddling of the actual university’s ownership stakes, the Chinese company had its profile uplifted. Radiation therapy took off with the inclusion of proton treatment, as relayed by Dr. Jianyu Yang. The man is the CEO and chairman of Concord Medical, which is currently involved in the construction and running of a pair of Chinese proton centers. Such a trade will provide much of the learning and practicality required to wield such advanced technology safely.
University Of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Hilton Hotels
All the way back in 1919, Conrad Hilton became supremely wealthy off the creation of Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Incredibly, the whole luxurious enterprise started off with only a few spots, eventually becoming a globally present hotel, seen in 85 countries with a total of 586 hotels. HNA Group, a shipping and aviation multinational from China, purchased a quarter of Hilton’s stakes at $6.5 billion in 2016. It is obviously now the business’ majority shareholder. 2016 also saw HNA buy Carlson Hotels to further entrench themselves within the hospitality industry. With Hilton having been acquired by HNA, it is now valued at more than $26 billion.
Hilton Hotels
Starplex Cinemas
Starplex Cinemas sadly could never match AMC in its performance and popularity. With a comparatively humble 34 spots within America, its populations fail to even reach its cinemas due to its sparsely scattered venues. Speaking of AMC, the cinema empire would absorb Starplex for $175 million in 2015. Such outlets were transformed into AMC Classics venues. With Dalian Wanda Group having taken over AMC, it comes as no surprise if the Starplex Cinemas name was wiped off the face of the Earth in 2017. AMC has obviously been turned into quite an aggressive group by its new owner.
Starplex Cinemas
California Grapes International Inc
Another Californian legend comes in the form of the original California Grapes Inc. from San Jose. It would one day be acquired by China Food Services Corp. While it was fondly remembered for its wine distribution, its new owners locked it away in a deep and darkroom. Neither group ever revealed how much the purchase was valued at. Borne in 1992, China Food Services Corp. has retained a high level of secrecy. It did mention that it, “is engaged in marketing, distribution, and selling of food and beverages though-out Asia and the Middle East. It owns and operates Golden Dragon Food & Beverage Import & Export Company of Hong Kong, Ltd.”
California Grapes International Inc
Fisher-Price
1930 saw the initiation of one of the United States’ most successful toy-making businesses. Although the country does still possesses the company HQ, Fisher-Price is made up of various international vendor contracts. Further, China is home to nearly one dozen of its factories. Mattel is its parent business and made quite the media scandal in 2007. You might remember reading up on the harmful levels of lead which their toys contained at one stage. Scarily, many children were being exposed to this toxic metal. Given that their toys are mostly for toddlers, this was a severe mistake.
Fisher Price
Hush Puppies
In 1958, Americans were treated to a whole new kind of shoes. The business which owns it is named Wolverine World Wide, responsible for its licensing and marketing their items throughout 120 nations, beyond America. The footwear is produced in factories internationally, too. The company ran into major trouble throughout the 90s, and it was up to Geoffrey Bloom, its current chairman. Despite Rockford, Michigan being the homes to both the HQ and a factory, there is much cost-cutting through the externalization of production overseas. Scotchgard, a special material for protecting leather, is fitted to the shoes throughout the tanning procedure to better extend their lifetimes. You can find Hush Puppies factories in China, Vietnam, and Brazil.
Hush Puppies
Gillette
Most people will talk about Gillette if asked which brand they shave with. While a portion of the sharp parts of their razors might be produced in America, the handles, cartridges, and the majority of the razors’ productions take place across the world, in Poland, Mexico, Brazil, and China. A Boston-based factory is a Gillette museum of sorts, having opened in the early 1900s. If you do a bit of reading up on the brand, Gillette’s supply was at one point struggling to meet its demand, meaning that it had to broaden its production horizons. As with many companies in need of a helping hand, it turned to China, specifically Shanghai, where a plant was built. The company has since met its target of one billion razors, annually.
Gillette
Barbie
Ruth Handler brought the initial Barbie into the world in 1959. Sixty years later and the doll is synonymous with little girls I general. Mattel, which owns Barbie, revealed that 58 million Barbies fly off the shelves annually. Every minute, over 100 Barbies are sold, earning Mattel a profit of around $1.5 billion annually. You might be shocked to know that Barbies, despite being a symbol of young American girls, originated outside of the country. The initial production of the doll began in Japan during 1959 as the formerly war-torn nation was experiencing its economic miracle. Barbie is now pumped out by four titanic factories across internationally, located in Malaysia, China, and Indonesia.
Barbie
Huffy
Need a new bicycle, or to have yours repaired? Huffy has been taking care of cyclists’ needs for more than one hundred years. Originating in Dayton, Ohio, Huffy secured multiple subsidiaries. This collection features Huffy Bicycle Co., Gen-X Sports, Royce Union, and American Sports Design CO. The business was created by George Huffman, using his classic nickname. Just before the turn of the millennium, Huffy’s American factories closed, and production was transferred to overseas plants. Currently, there are six factories across the world, in Mexico, Taiwan, and China. Prior to this spread, the factories within America could be found in the Ohio town of Celina.
Huffy
Oakley Sunglasses
James Jannard created Oakley with a sum of $300. Such a small amount went on to create the internationally renowned eyewear company. Previously, Luxottica, the Italian business, bought it. Regardless, Lake Forest, California is the place where you will find the Oakley HQ. 1975 was the year where the IPO was started by the business, bringing in $230 million after two decades. The business has evolved top supply chin guards and ski goggles. Following James Jannard’s sale of the business, he made a U-turn professionally, starting Red Digital Cinema throughout 2007.
Oakley Sunglasses
Converse
Better regarded for its awesome shoes, Converse commenced in 1908 in Boston. World War II threw a spanner in its works, and the shoes stopped being made for civilians, switching gears so that soldiers could run comfortably. After Hitler and Japan had been defeated, the rest of the century went rather smoothly. It was in 2001, however, that the company had to deal with bankruptcy. Nike would provide Converse with the money it would need through an acquisition in 2003. The owners enjoy plenty of Chinese factories, now being produced across the world, too. Vietnam, China, India, and Indonesia all play their parts in making the shoes.
Converse
Nike
As discussed (and as you already know), Nike runs countless factories across the world. Amazingly, 20% of Nike’s sneakers come out of Chinese factories, where the 180 manufacturers in its employment staff 210,000 people. Amazingly, Vietnam churns out been more Nikes. Beyond these two manufacturing powerhouses, Nike is fueled by Indonesia, Japan, Brazil, and Indonesia. To be honest, Nike would like nothing more than to lessen its reliance on China for production – for reasons which we are unaware of. One-third of Nikes flew out of China until 2012 when the supply source was shared with other countries more.
Nike
Levi’s
Levi’s Jeans began as the perfect pants for laborers and have since become an icon in good-quality and comfortable (and not to mention shapely) jeans. The business revealed that it earns $5.76 in annual profit. These jeans exploded into the 60s among ordinary people. The beginning of the 70s saw Levi’s go public. Nowadays, 50 nations enjoy the universally adored jeans. Japan, China, and Italy are the three main suppliers of the pants, beyond the United States. You can still find the 501 Jeans within a North Carolina plant.
Levis
American Girl
Beyond Barbie, American Girl is another example of the American girl’s best friend. Those who still have one of these dolls from their childhood could be sitting on a small fortune. Pleasant Rowland was the place where American Girl was born, in 1998. Initially, such toys could only be acquired through mail order. Mattel acquired the business in 1998, and soon more kids were able to get American Girl, leading to something of a craze for the dolls. The production of these toys had to then be moved to Germany, while the literature is still printed in Wisconsin. Your American Girl’s accessories come from China, before being put together in Wisconsin.
American Girl
Chevrolet
Being a member of the three leading motorcar producers in America, Chevrolet is synonymous with the American car experience. While the vehicles’ assembly still occurs in Detroit, China supplies the parts. Over 50% of a Chevy’s parts will be produced overseas. You can add a single percentage of local parts to the Chevy Colorado if you want to be patriotic. Then you have the Corvette for the true American car lovers. This company’s cars can be found all over the world, save for nine countries. South Koreans have a particular penchant for the cars, which were distributed by Daewoo Motors.
Chevrolet
Radio Flyer
The Chicago headquarters of Radio Flyer will proudly hoist their red toy wagon supplies. Beyond this classic toy, the company also provides toy horses, trikes, ride-ons, bikes, and more. This is another century-old American company that has managed to keep its historical headquarters intact. Do not believe the Radio Flyer marketing, however, this is no longer an American brand. China is responsible for the production of the above-mentioned toys, except for the plastic red wagon, which Wisconsin is responsible for. Throughout its 80th birthday, Radio Flyer constructed the globe’s largest wagon to celebrate the milestone.
Radio Flyer
Craftsman
Craftsman tools are available in most respectable hardware and home improvement stores, and you’ve probably seen their products often if you find yourself using tools often. The United States is home to the company’s factories, but there are also several outsourced plants in Taiwan and China. Sears became its parent company, which decided to externalize production. Taiwan and China share the Apex Tool Group’s factories which manufacture Craftsman’s tools. Further, the American company Western Forge carry another portion of their tool manufacturing. As you can see, there is quite a complex shared system of manufacturing shared across North America and Asia.
Craftsman
Samsonite
It was in 1910 that Jesse Shwayder of Denver, Colorado began creating a new type of luggage. Missing the century mark by 8 years, the company stayed within the West Coast until it departed for another state. Samsonite is now based within Mansfield, Massachusetts. Amazingly, the majority of its items are created in Asia and Europe. China, Hungary, and India all feature Samsonite factories. The Indian Nashik factory produces almost 40% of Samsonite’s production. China not only makes a lot of the company’s luggage, employing thousands of people in the process, its people absolutely adore the products! Incredibly, nearly 66% of Samsonite sales take place in China.
Samsonite
Dell
Dell has made such a massive presence in the computing world that you must have heard of it. Michael Dell commenced the business during the 80s, eventually sharing out the production. The servers can entirely be found in Austin, Texas, despite the laptops no longer being produced in America. You can find Dell plants in Mexico, Ireland, China, Brazil, and Malaysia. The Irish city of Limerick’s plant produces build-to-order items. 2000 saw the world very interested in its opening. With a space of 40,000 sq. ft., populated by 23,000 workers, this is one of Ireland’s largest factories.
Dell
Smithfield
Those who love to add pork to their meals are probably firm fans of Smithfield Foods. The business started in 1936, thanks to Joseph W. Luter and his boy. The father and son team would take Smithfield on to become a leader in American meat supply, with over five-hundred farms. The WH Group purchased the business for $4.72 billion in 2013. That year saw the priciest acquisition a Chinese business had yet to have secured within America. Smithfield, Virginia is where you can locate the business’ HQ, but the strings are pulled over at Louhe, Henan.
Smithfield
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn started off as just one motel somewhere close to Nashville. Kemmons Wilson, following a poor encounter throughout a road trip shared with family, decided that people on long journeys needed to easily find comfortable accommodation. After twelve months of planning and execution, Wallace E. Johnson hopped in to help build more spots. Toward the 90s, Intercontinental Hotels Group of Britain acquired the hotel chain. In modern times, the entire planet is subject to Holiday Inn additions. Although IGH continues to own the company at large, you can bet that they will keep this enterprise flourishing for all time.
Holiday Inn