120. DHL

Headquarters: Plantation, Florida, USA
Bought By: Deutsche Post DHL Group
Headquarters: Bonn, Germany

DHL, with its bright yellow trucks and distinctive branding, is a common sight on American streets, delivering packages with efficiency and reliability. However, while it’s deeply embedded in the U.S. delivery landscape, DHL’s origins are not American. Founded in 1969 by Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom, and Robert Lynn (hence the name D-H-L), the company began its journey in San Francisco.

DHL ©Hans Blossey/Alamy

But here’s the twist: in 2002, it was acquired by the German logistics company Deutsche Post. Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, Deutsche Post transformed DHL into the global powerhouse it is today. So, the next time you see a DHL delivery, remember it’s a blend of American entrepreneurship and German precision.