Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Bought By: Seven & I Holdings Co.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

The iconic, ubiquitous convenience store that promises a diverse array of snacks, drinks, and daily essentials at any hour of the day, 7-Eleven, is quintessentially American in the minds of many. Having opened its doors in the 1920s, the brand has seen exponential growth, with stores now spanning the globe.

However, a lesser-known fact to many Americans is that, in 1991, 7-Eleven Inc. was acquired by Seven & I Holdings Co., a Tokyo-based company. The acquisition was valued at $1 billion, placing the world’s largest chain of convenience stores under Japanese ownership.

Headquarters: Carrollton, Texas
Bought By: Accor
Headquarters: Paris, France

A beacon of affordability and convenience for travelers crisscrossing America’s vast highways, Motel 6 has, for decades, held the promise of a clean, comfortable room with the light always on. Established in 1962 in Santa Barbara, California, its name was originally derived from its cost of $6 per night.

Yet, in the intricate web of global investments, many are unaware that Motel 6 is no longer under American ownership. In 1990, Accor, a French multinational hospitality company, acquired the motel chain, adding it to their diverse portfolio of hotels and accommodations. The acquisition reinforced Accor’s foothold in the North American market.

Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia
Bought By: Nestlé
Headquarters: Vevey, Switzerland

The name ‘Gerber’ has long been synonymous with baby nutrition in America. Since its inception in 1927 in Fremont, Michigan, Gerber has grown to dominate the baby food market, its logo of a cherubic baby face becoming an emblem of quality and trust for countless parents. However, a fact often nestled away from common knowledge is that, in 2007, Gerber was acquired by Nestlé, the Swiss multinational food and drink conglomerate.

The acquisition, which was valued at $5.5 billion, seamlessly integrated Gerber into Nestlé’s expansive portfolio of nutrition products. While now under European ownership, Gerber’s dedication to nourishing generations of American infants remains unwavering, solidifying its legacy as a cornerstone brand for families.

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri
Bought By: InBev
Headquarters: Leuven, Belgium

For many, the name Anheuser-Busch evokes images of the iconic Clydesdale horses, the St. Louis skyline, and crisp bottles of Budweiser. Founded in the mid-19th century, Anheuser-Busch became not just a titan in American brewing but a cornerstone of American culture. Yet, the landscape of global brewing shifted dramatically in 2008 when Anheuser-Busch merged with InBev, a Belgian-Brazilian beer conglomerate.

The resultant entity, Anheuser-Busch InBev, or AB InBev for short, became the world’s largest beer company. This merger, valued at a staggering $52 billion, combined American brewing traditions with a global portfolio of beer brands.

Headquarters: New York, NY
Bought By: Sahara India Pariwar
Headquarters: Lucknow, India

Overlooking New York City’s Central Park, The Plaza Hotel stands as an enduring symbol of luxury, elegance, and old-world charm. Since its grand opening in 1907, The Plaza has welcomed royals, celebrities, and dignitaries, securing its place in American cultural lore, from its mentions in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literature to its cinematic moments in films like Home Alone 2.

However, in a testament to its global allure, The Plaza has changed hands multiple times, crossing international borders. One of its most notable ownership transitions occurred in 2015 when the hotel was acquired by Sahara India Pariwar, an Indian conglomerate, before a majority stake was later sold to Katara Hospitality, a Qatari state-owned hotel operator.