Iconic American Companies Owned by Chinese Investors

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Bought By: Techtronic Industries (TTI)
Headquarters: Hong Kong

For many Americans, the word “Hoover” is synonymous with vacuum cleaning. Founded in Ohio in 1908 by W.H. “Boss” Hoover, the brand quickly became a staple in U.S. households thanks to its innovative designs and relentless marketing. “Hoovering” even became a colloquial term for vacuuming in various parts of the world.

However, in a twist of global commerce, the brand was acquired by the Italian company, Candy, in 2006. This means that while the Hoover legacy was born in the heart of America, its corporate ties now extend to the picturesque landscapes of Italy. Today, under its European guidance, Hoover continues to redefine cleanliness for homes across the globe.

Headquarters: Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA
Bought By: Stellantis N.V. (merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group)
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands

To most Americans, Chrysler is as iconic as apple pie. Founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler, the company emerged as one of the “Big Three” automakers in the U.S., alongside Ford and General Motors. Its innovations and designs, from the Airflow of the 1930s to the minivans of the 1980s, left indelible marks on the American automotive landscape. However, in 2014, a monumental shift occurred.

Chrysler merged with the Italian automaker Fiat, forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). With this merger, a quintessentially American brand intertwined its legacy with that of a European giant, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the auto industry. Under this transatlantic partnership, FCA has navigated modern challenges, while honoring both companies’ storied histories.

Headquarters: Herndon, Virginia, USA
Bought By: Airbus SE
Headquarters: Blagnac, France

The skies above America are graced by many aircraft, but one brand that stands out in the mix is Airbus. While most associate commercial aviation giants with the U.S.-based Boeing, its European counterpart, Airbus, has stealthily secured a significant footprint in American airspace. Founded in 1970, with headquarters in Blagnac, France, Airbus was Europe’s answer to America’s aviation dominance.

Leveraging collaborative expertise from Germany, France, and later Spain and the UK, Airbus quickly became Boeing’s fiercest competitor. Surprisingly to some, Airbus has a significant presence in the U.S., with a manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama, where it assembles A220 and A320 family aircraft.

Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Bought By: HSBC Holdings plc
Headquarters: London, UK

HSBC might seem quintessentially American with its prominent high-rises and vast presence. However, this banking powerhouse has roots in 19th-century Hong Kong and Shanghai. Established in 1865 as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, its initial aim was to boost East-West trade. Though headquartered in London, HSBC operates as one of the world’s largest financial institutions.

While its vast U.S. presence is unmistakable, its origins are distinctly Eastern. HSBC’s tale underscores the global nature of finance, where origins and present-day operations weave a complex, border-crossing narrative, reminding us that banking is truly a global endeavor.

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Bought By: Anheuser-Busch InBev
Headquarters: Leuven, Belgium

An iconic beer that screams “America,” Budweiser is a staple in coolers at U.S. barbecues, ball games, and bonfires. Surprisingly to many, this “King of Beers” isn’t purely American-owned. Its origins trace back to the 1800s in St. Louis, Missouri, by Adolphus Busch. However, in 2008, the Belgian company InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser’s parent company, in a deal worth $52 billion.

Today, this merger has resulted in the world’s largest beer company, AB InBev. So while the brew’s taste and brand aesthetics scream red, white, and blue, its ownership is a testament to the globalized nature of business.