Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Bought By: Technicolor SA (formerly Thomson SA which acquired RCA in 1986)
Headquarters: Issy-les-Moulineaux, France

From pioneering radio and television broadcasting to producing iconic consumer electronics, RCA, or the Radio Corporation of America, has left an indelible mark on American technological history. Founded in 1919, it was at the forefront of the electronic age, pushing boundaries and setting standards in the industry. But the ownership tale of RCA experienced international chapters.

By the mid-1980s, RCA faced challenges, leading to its acquisition by General Electric in 1986. Subsequently, the rights to the RCA brand for consumer electronics were sold to the French company Thomson Consumer Electronics. As a result, products bearing the RCA brand name today stem from a European lineage.

Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Bought By: Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Yamaguchi, Japan

Step into any major city across the U.S., and you’ll likely encounter the sleek, minimalist facade of a Uniqlo store. With its high-quality yet affordable basics, Uniqlo has become a staple in many American wardrobes. But did you know this fashion behemoth isn’t American-born?

Originating from the streets of Yamaguchi, Japan, Uniqlo was birthed by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. Over the decades, it’s not just conquered Japan but also the global fashion market. Today, while many may associate the brand with New York’s bustling Fifth Avenue, its heart and soul remain deeply rooted in Japanese innovation and craftsmanship.

Headquarters: Batavia, Illinois, USA
Bought By: Aldi Süd Group
Headquarters: Essen, Germany

Aldi, with its unassuming store design and no-nonsense approach to grocery shopping, has been winning over budget-conscious Americans for years. Its streamlined aisles and a curated selection of products often surprise first-timers with quality that punches above its price. However, this grocery giant didn’t start in the sprawling suburbs of the U.S. but in the quiet town of Essen, Germany.

Founded by the Albrecht family in 1946, Aldi split into two entities: Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd. The Aldi stores in the U.S. belong to Aldi Süd. Though it may feel as American as the local supermarket down the street, Aldi’s efficiency and value-driven model is a testament to German ingenuity.

Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
Bought By: Royal Dutch Shell plc
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands

When American consumers pull up to a Shell gas station, they’re greeted with the iconic yellow and red shell logo, a staple on roadsides across the nation. However, this major player in the oil and gas industry, officially named Royal Dutch Shell, has roots that cross the Atlantic.

Founded in 1907 through the merger of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company (based in the Netherlands) and Shell Transport and Trading Company (based in the UK), Shell’s dual heritage is a tale of globalization. The company’s significant presence in the U.S. energy market might give it a domestic feel, but its origins are distinctly European.

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.

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.