Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, USA
Bought By: Tencent (owns a minority stake, not full ownership)
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China

A titan in the digital realm, Activision Blizzard stands as one of the most influential video game companies in the world. Born from a merger in 2008 between Activision, an industry pioneer since 1979, and Blizzard Entertainment, known for iconic franchises like World of Warcraft, the combined entity commands a vast empire of gaming titles and esports ventures.

However, many are unaware of its significant foreign stake. In 2013, a consortium led by Activision Blizzard’s management and the Chinese conglomerate Tencent acquired a majority of the company’s shares for approximately $8.2 billion. While Tencent only holds a minority stake, its influence underscores the global reach and appeal of gaming culture.

Headquarters: Mason, Ohio, USA
Bought By: Luxottica Group
Headquarters: Milan, Italy

A beacon for sunglass aficionados, Sunglass Hut began its journey in 1971 as a modest kiosk in Miami. Founded by optometrist Sanford Ziff, it expanded rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s, becoming the go-to destination for high-quality, fashionable eyewear in malls across America.

However, its ownership narrative took a global turn in 2001. Luxottica Group, an Italian-based world leader in eyewear, acquired Sunglass Hut in a deal valued at approximately $653 million. Under Luxottica’s global portfolio, Sunglass Hut expanded its footprint even further, establishing stores in various corners of the world.

Headquarters: Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA (US operations)
Bought By: Natura & Co
Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil

Rooted in a philosophy of ethical beauty and environmental consciousness, The Body Shop was a trailblazer long before “clean beauty” became a trend. Established in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Dame Anita Roddick, it brought a fresh approach to cosmetics, emphasizing natural ingredients and social responsibility.

While it’s fundamentally a British brand, its influence has been substantial in America, making it a familiar name in malls across the country. Ownership took a continental shift in 2006 when L’Oréal, the French cosmetics giant, acquired The Body Shop for approximately £652 million. However, in 2017, it transitioned again, being bought by Natura & Co., a Brazilian cosmetic company.

Headquarters: Emeryville, California, USA
Bought By: JAB Holding Company
Headquarters: Luxembourg

Brewing a revolution in American coffee culture, Peet’s Coffee & Tea began in 1966 when Alfred Peet opened his first store in Berkeley, California. Introducing robust, dark roasted beans to a market accustomed to weaker blends, Peet’s quickly garnered a loyal following, indirectly inspiring other major coffee chains in the U.S. However, Peet’s ownership tale underwent an international twist in 2012.

JAB Holding Company, a German conglomerate known for its vast coffee portfolio, acquired Peet’s in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion. Under JAB’s stewardship, Peet’s has continued its commitment to deep roasts and high-quality beans, all while expanding its footprint both domestically and globally.

Headquarters: Marina del Rey, California, USA
Bought By: Unilever
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands & London, UK

A modern maverick in men’s grooming, Dollar Shave Club disrupted the industry with its subscription-based model and cheeky marketing. Launched in 2011 by Michael Dubin and Mark Levine, the California-based startup went viral with a memorable YouTube video, portraying a straightforward approach to shaving without the hefty price tag.

However, its entrepreneurial journey took an international twist in 2016 when Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant, acquired Dollar Shave Club for a reported $1 billion. This acquisition underscored the growing importance of direct-to-consumer models in the digital age.