123. Nestlé

Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, USA
Bought By: Nestlé S.A.
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland

Nestlé, synonymous with comforting cups of hot cocoa and tantalizing chocolate treats, has expertly woven its brand into the fabric of American snack culture. However, its roots trace back to Vevey, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé. Henri began with a revolutionary infant food formula which, over the decades, expanded into an impressive portfolio of brands including Nespresso, KitKat, and Purina.

Nestlé ©Klaus Ohlenschlaeger/Alamy

Although the iconic Nestlé Toll House chocolate chip cookies feel as American as apple pie, the company’s foundation is quintessentially Swiss. Nestlé’s global reach, with products spanning various categories, underscores its prowess in understanding diverse markets, yet its heart remains nestled in the Swiss Alps.