Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

Headquarters: Mountain View, California
Bought By: Mindray Medical International
Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Zonare Medical Systems, located in Mountain View, California, is a leading provider of premium ultrasound systems across the globe. In 2013, Mindray Medical International, a Chinese medical equipment manufacturer, acquired the company for approximately $105 million.

This acquisition represents a significant move in China’s strategy to gain access to high-end medical technologies, which can in turn be leveraged to improve its domestic healthcare market. With Zonare’s sophisticated technology and strong market presence, Mindray has further solidified its position as a global player in the medical devices sector, demonstrating China’s continued appetite for international healthcare technology.

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California
Bought By: Shanhai Capital
Headquarters: Beijing, China

Based in Santa Clara, California, Analogix Semiconductor is a leading supplier of high-performance digital multimedia interface solutions. In 2016, it was acquired by Shanhai Capital, a private equity firm based in Beijing, for over $500 million. The deal aimed to expand China’s growing presence in the global semiconductor industry, which is crucial for a variety of technology sectors such as computers, smartphones, and artificial intelligence.

With the acquisition of Analogix Semiconductor, China’s capacity to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving technology landscape has been significantly enhanced, illustrating the country’s ongoing ambition to be at the forefront of the global technology industry.

Headquarters: Windcrest, Texas
Bought By: Apollo Global Management (with substantial Chinese investment)
Headquarters: N/A

Rackspace, based in Windcrest, Texas, is a leading provider of managed cloud services. In 2016, Rackspace was taken private in a $4.3 billion deal by a consortium of investors led by Apollo Global Management. Notably, the consortium included Searchlight Capital Partners and a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate HNA Group.

This transaction emphasizes China’s increasing interest in gaining a foothold in the fast-growing cloud services market. By investing in established companies like Rackspace, Chinese firms not only gain access to advanced technologies and business models but also benefit from their robust customer bases and industry knowledge.

Headquarters: Irvine, California
Bought By: LeEco
Headquarters: Beijing, China

Vizio, located in Irvine, California, is one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the United States, known especially for its Smart TVs. In 2016, LeEco, a Chinese technology conglomerate with diverse interests from electric cars to digital content, announced it would acquire Vizio for $2 billion.

However, the deal was eventually called off in 2017 due to regulatory hurdles. Despite the failed acquisition, the initial intent marked a significant push by Chinese tech companies to expand their global presence. Had it been successful, the deal would have given LeEco a significant foothold in the American consumer electronics market, illustrating China’s ambitions in this sector.

Headquarters: Mountain View, California
Bought By: BGI Group
Headquarters: Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Situated in Mountain View, California, Complete Genomics is a leader in whole human genomic sequencing. In 2013, the company was bought by BGI-Shenzhen, a Chinese genomics company, for approximately $118 million. This acquisition was a milestone in China’s strategy to accelerate its capacity in genomic research.

With the acquisition of Complete Genomics, BGI not only gained access to advanced genome sequencing technology but also enriched its capacity to conduct large-scale human, plant, and animal DNA sequencing. This step has substantially elevated China’s international standing in the field of genomics, underscoring the country’s growing prowess in cutting-edge biomedical research.