It might be surprising to know that some of America’s iconic brands, ones considered embodied in American culture, are actually owned by foreign companies. From beloved ice cream makers to trusted household staples, these brands have quietly changed hands over the years. Acquiring “American-made” brands has been marketed towards foreign companies as a great way to business in the U.S. proposing various benefits.
American brands are bought by foreign companies primarily for market access, technology, and their U.S. customer base. The U.S. offers one of the largest consumer markets globally, making it an attractive destination for companies seeking to expand their reach and diversify their revenue streams. Additionally, acquiring established American brands bought by foreign companies allows them to tap into existing distribution channels and brand loyalty.
This accelerates their growth in the competitive U.S. market. Access to advanced technology and innovation embedded in American industries also motivates these acquisitions, especially in sectors like manufacturing and tech. This exchange of ownership is not a recent phenomenon; it has been ongoing for decades, intensifying with globalization and the interconnectedness of world economies.
For example, Chinese buyers alone agreed to spend over $11 billion in deals to acquire U.S. companies in 2012. As the global economy evolves, foreign ownership of American brands continues to grow, blending international influence with American heritage. Here are 7 big American brands that quietly became foreign-owned.
1. Akrion Systems LLC
Akrion Systems LLC was acquired in 2018 by China’s Naura Technology Group Co., Ltd. for $15 million. It is a U.S.-based supplier of advanced wafer surface preparation technology for the semiconductor industry headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This acquisition, notable as the first Chinese purchase of a U.S. semiconductor company approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) under the Trump administration.
Industry Overview
Akrion Systems specializes in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, particularly advanced wafer surface preparation technology. They use their equipment to fabricate microelectronic devices, including cleaning and preparing silicon wafers for integrated circuits (ICs), MEMS, and advanced packaging.
Naura Technology Group is a leading Chinese manufacturer of high-end semiconductor equipment, vacuum equipment, and precision components, serving global markets including semiconductors and new energy sectors.
Reasons for Acquisition
Naura acquired Akrion to expand its portfolio of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and to penetrate the rapidly growing Chinese semiconductor market, which is expected to account for 75% of global semiconductor growth in the next five years. The acquisition provides Akrion with strategic financial backing and access to the Chinese market, enabling longer-term investment in research and development.
For Naura, acquiring Akrion adds advanced surface preparation technology to its manufacturing blueprint, helping bolster its competitiveness globally. This deal also marked a rare approval by the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for a Chinese acquisition in the semiconductor sector.
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Scepticism and Concern
While the average American consumer experiences indirect effects, the deal places a key supplier of advanced wafer surface preparation technology under foreign ownership, directly impacting the broader U.S. technology sector. This could influence the supply chain for American semiconductor manufacturers, potentially affecting the reliability, innovation, and pricing of chip production equipment over time.
On the positive side, the injection of capital and resources from Naura may propel Akrion’s technology and customer support, benefiting U.S. semiconductor firms that rely on its equipment. However, there have been concerns raised about foreign ownership in critical technology infrastructures in the U.S.
Sceptics speculate the risks include technology transfer, supply chain dependencies or regulatory restrictions. CFIUS typically blocks deals involving sensitive technologies, especially in semiconductors, to prevent technology transfer that could compromise U.S. security.
2. Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods, founded in Virginia in 1936, is the largest pork producer in the United States. It is the quintessential American household product for processed meats. In 2013, WH Group, a $22 billion Chinese meat processing conglomerate, acquired Smithfield for $4.7 billion in what remains the largest Chinese purchase of an American company to date.
Industry Overview
Smithfield Foods supplies pork products to supermarkets, restaurants, and foodservice providers across the U.S. and internationally. They operate in the meatpacking and food processing sector, producing pork products such as sausages, ribs, bacon, and roasts for American and global markets. The company is foundational in the U.S. food supply chain, with operations spanning farming, processing, and distribution.
Reasons for Acquisition
WH Group, one of China’s largest meat producers, purchased Smithfield Foods for $4.7 billion in 2013. This has been noted as the largest ever Chinese acquisition of an American company, to date. WH Group sought to secure a stable supply of high-quality pork for China’s growing middle class, gain access to Smithfield’s advanced food safety and production technologies, and expand its global reach. For Smithfield, the deal provided significant capital and access to the vast Chinese market. Given the intense scrutiny by U.S. authorities of Chinese-lead companies, this acquisition does come with some contention.
Scepticism and Concern
Smithfield’s acquisition by a Chinese company has been highly controversial. Critics argue that foreign control over a quarter of America’s pork supply poses a national security risk, especially in times of crisis or food scarcity. Some worry that profits are now being funneled into China rather than to American farmers, putting significant financial strain on small U.S. producers.
Concerns also extend to animal welfare. Smithfield and industry groups lobbied to weaken regulations like California’s Proposition 12, which mandates humane livestock conditions. Critics fear that rolling back such laws could erode animal welfare standards nationwide. Their factory farming processes have been placed under scrutiny for alleged environmental damage caused by their waste.
There are also broader issues unrelated to foreign ownership, such as Smithfield’s environmental record, multiple pollution violations and lawsuits over waste spills, and repeated accusations of price-fixing, resulting in multimillion-dollar settlements.
3. Runergy (U.S. Operations)
Runergy, a rapidly emerging competitor in the solar energy sector, is building a massive 5-gigawatt solar module plant in Huntsville, Alabama. In August 2024, Tongwei Co., Ltd., a $30+ billion Chinese solar giant, moved to acquire a controlling stake in Runergy for nearly $700 million.
The deal has detailed a multi-step acquisition process, which ultimately aims at Tongwei securing at least 51% of Runergy’s equity. Tongwei, based in Chengdu, is already one of the world’s largest solar module manufacturers and is now poised to gain a major foothold in the American market.
Industry Overview
Runergy and Tongwei both operate in the solar energy sector, designing and manufacturing solar cells and modules that power everything from homes to utility-scale solar farms. The U.S. solar industry is booming, thanks in part to federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers clean energy manufacturing subsidies to companies that build in America.
Reasons for Acquisition
American brands bought by foreign companies are often acquired to help foreign firms leapfrog trade barriers and tap into lucrative markets. This is especially true in high-tech, high-growth sectors. With U.S. tariffs largely shutting out Chinese solar exports, Tongwei’s acquisition of Runergy’s U.S. operations gives it a “backdoor” into the American market.
By manufacturing on U.S. soil, Tongwei can take advantage of federal subsidies, avoid some of the tariffs, and sell directly to American consumers and utilities. The move also helps Tongwei diversify its global footprint and hedge against overcapacity and losses in China’s crowded solar sector.
Scepticism and Concern
This deal has sparked debate. Critics question whether it’s wise to let a Chinese company control a major slice of America’s clean energy supply chain. Some worry about national security, arguing that foreign ownership of critical infrastructure-like solar manufacturing-could leave the U.S. vulnerable to supply disruptions or technology transfer. Others point to the risk of “greenwashing,” where Chinese firms use U.S. operations to sidestep environmental or labor standards, or to access taxpayer-funded incentives without delivering real benefits to American workers.
Supporters, however, argue that foreign investment can boost job creation, bring cutting-edge technology, and accelerate the transition to clean energy. They note that Runergy’s Alabama plant will create hundreds of local jobs and help the U.S. meet its ambitious climate goals. And with the global solar industry facing consolidation and overcapacity, partnerships like this one are becoming more common.
4. Berry Global
Amcor plc, located in Zurich, Switzerland, completed its acquisition of Berry Global Group Inc., in April 2025. Berry Global, a leading U.S.-based packaging manufacturer, was acquired in an all-stock deal, for $8.43 billion. This marks Amcor’s largest acquisition to date and creates a packaging giant with combined revenues of $24 billion.
Industry Overview
Amcor and Berry Global both operate as leading packing manufacturers in the global packaging industry. Their portfolios are expansive, spanning flexible and rigid packaging, cartons and closures. They also engineer materials that get used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, personal care, and industrial markets.
Berry Global is known for its innovation in sustainable packaging and recycling initiatives. It also hosts more than 34,000 employees with 200+ sites globally. Amcor is recognized for its global reach and material science expertise in the packing industry.
Reasons for Acquisition
Amcor’s purchase of Berry Global allows Amcor access to the American market, ultimately expanding its global footprint. It also expands Amcor’s product portfolio and enhances its capabilities in material science and research and development. The deal is expected to unlock $650 million in synergies and deliver over $3 billion in annual cash flow by fiscal 2028.
Amcor expects a delivery of $260 million pre-tax synergies as early as fiscal 2026. Amcor’s CEO, Peter Konieczny, emphasized that the combination positions the company to deliver more consistent growth. He also emphasized improved margins and compelling value for shareholders, while also enabling further investment in sustainability and innovation.
Scepticism and Concern
Given recent demand slowdowns in the packaging sector analysts and market watchers have their doubts. Analysts are sceptical about the feasibility of the projected synergies and the integration process. There are also concerns about job security, as operational streamlining and cost reductions could impact U.S. employees.
Environmental advocates are closely monitoring the merger, given the industry’s ongoing contention with plastic waste and sustainability. The European Commission granted unconditional antitrust approval, clearing the merger. However, some investors worry about the dilution of Berry’s American identity and the implications for local decision-making.
5. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company was established in Vermont in 1978. Famous for its quirky flavors and social activism, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream became one of the most high-profile American brands bought by foreign companies. It was acquired by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods giant, in 2000. Unilever, based in London and Rotterdam, is also known for global brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, and Vaseline.
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Industry Overview
Ben & Jerry’s specializes in high-quality ice cream and frozen desserts. Since its founding in 1978, the company has built a reputation for its top tier confectionary products, creative branding, and a strong commitment to social, political and environmental causes. Unilever’s ice cream division is one of the largest in the world. Its portfolio also includes other top brands like Magnum, Cornetto, and Breyers.
Reasons for Acquisition
Unilever’s acquisition of Ben & Jerry’s was driven by its desire to expand its presence in the ice cream market and leverage Ben & Jerry’s strong brand identity and loyal customer base. The deal also provided Unilever with a foothold in the U.S. market and an opportunity to diversify its ice cream offerings with a socially conscious, innovative brand.
For Ben & Jerry’s, the acquisition offered access to Unilever’s global distribution network and resources, enabling the brand to expand from 4 to nearly 40 countries while growing revenues by 500% since the acquisition. Unilever allowed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream full autonomy in terms of branding and marketing strategies. Ben & Jerry’s retained their independence on their political and social activism. This is an uncommon case among American brands bought by foreign companies.
Controversy and Scepticism
The union of Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever has been anything but smooth. Central to the controversy is Ben & Jerry’s fiercely independent social and political stance. As part of the 2000 merger, Ben & Jerry’s retained an independent board with primary responsibility for the brand’s social and political stance and moral integrity. However, this unique structure has led to repeated clashes.
Tensions reached a boiling point over issues such as Ben & Jerry’s decision to halt sales in Israeli-occupied territories in 2021, citing inconsistency with its ethics. This move triggered lawsuits, accusations of antisemitism, and financial backlash, including divestment from Unilever’s stock in several U.S. states. Unilever responded by selling Ben & Jerry’s Israeli business to a local licensee, a workaround that aggravated Ben & Jerry’s to sue its parent company for bypassing its independent board.
The disputes have continued, with Ben & Jerry’s accusing Unilever of censoring its social media activism. Regarding support for Palestinian refugees and other progressive causes, Ben & Jerry’s accused Unilever of censorship. They also stated that Unilever unlawfully fired its CEO for upholding the company’s political, moral and social stance on global issues. Unilever has denied these allegations, arguing that the board’s activism has become increasingly polarizing and that it retains the right to make key business decisions.
Further complicating the relationship, Unilever announced in 2024 that it would spin off its entire ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry’s, into a separate company with a primary listing in Amsterdam by the end of 2025. This move, part of a broader corporate restructuring, has raised fresh concerns within Ben & Jerry’s about the future of its independent board, ultimately affecting their social, environmental, and political mission.
6. Budweiser
Budweiser has been a long-time staple American beer brand brewed by Anheuser-Busch since 1876. In 2008 it became part of the global brewing giant AB InBev when Belgian-based InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch in 2008. This $52 billion merger created the world’s largest beer company, centered in Leuven, Belgium. It brought together iconic brands like Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois under foreign ownership.
Industry Overview
Budweiser produces lagers and other beers in the highly competitive global beer industry. They have long been a staple of American beer culture. Before the acquisition, Anheuser-Busch was the dominant U.S. brewer, pioneering innovations like pasteurization to ship beer across America. Today, AB InBev controls about 28% of the global beer market, with Budweiser remaining one of its flagship brands despite rising competition from craft breweries and imported beers.
Reasons for Acquisition
InBev’s acquisition of Anheuser-Busch was motivated by a strategic goal to expand its global footprint and consolidate market share. By acquiring Budweiser and its extensive U.S. distribution network, InBev gained a stronghold in the lucrative American market. The merger promised economies of scale, streamlined operations, and enhanced marketing power. For Anheuser-Busch shareholders, the deal offered a high-tier buyout and access to international markets.
Controversy and Scepticism
The acquisition ignited worry about the loss of an American brewing icon to foreign ownership. As with American brands bought by foreign companies, critics fear job losses and diminished brand authenticity. While InBev promised to maintain U.S. operations and Budweiser’s heritage, some skeptics viewed the deal as prioritizing global profits over local roots.
More recently, Budweiser’s parent company AB InBev faced public backlash linked to Bud Light, its top-selling beer. In April 2023, Bud Light partnered with Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer. The partnership was a social media campaign that included a commemorative Bud Light can featuring Mulvaney’s face. This collaboration created fierce backlash from conservative groups and consumers, leading to a boycott of Bud Light and Anheuser-Busch products.
The boycott caused Bud Light’s sales to drop by up to 26% in the months following the campaign. AB InBev’s U.S. sales declined by 9.1% in the first quarter of 2024. The controversy also led to a 20% drop in AB InBev’s stock price in May 2023. This culminated in the loss of Bud Light’s 20-year reign as America’s best-selling beer to Modelo Especial.
Anheuser-Busch responded by distancing itself from the campaign, clarifying that the commemorative can was a limited gift. According to Anheuser-Busch, it was not a mass-market promotion. This also led to the indefinite canceling of its Budweiser Clydesdales events due to safety concerns amid the backlash.
7. General Electric Appliances
General Electric Appliances, a century-old American appliance manufacturer headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, became part of the Chinese multinational Haier Group in 2016. Haier, based in Qingdao, China, acquired GE Appliances for approximately $5.6 billion, marking a significant milestone in the trend of American brands being bought by foreign companies.
Industry Overview
GE Appliances produces refrigerators, freezers, washers and other products in the home appliance industry. They also produce cooking appliances and dryers under well-known brands such as Monogram, Café, Profile, and Artistry. Before the acquisition, GE Appliances generated nearly $6 billion in annual revenue and held a respected position in the U.S. market. Haier is a global leader in home appliances, with a strong presence in China and expanding operations globally.
Reasons for Acquisition
Haier acquired GE Appliances to gain presence in the U.S. appliance market and expand its global footprint. The deal gave Haier ownership of a century-old American brand with a strong distribution network and loyal customer base. Haier aimed to leverage GE Appliances’ advanced manufacturing capabilities and brand equity to accelerate growth outside China.
Controversy and Scepticism
The acquisition drew mixed reactions. Some critics remained troubled over a Chinese company owning a major American appliance brand. They fear this could have potentially negative impacts on jobs, technology transfer, and national security. However, antitrust regulators in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Colombia approved the deal after a thorough review. They concluded the deal raised no significant competition issues. Haier committed to retaining the GE Appliances brand, keeping its base of operations in Louisville. They have also stated they will be maintaining the existing management team, which eased some concerns.
Conclusion
American brands bought by foreign companies is not a new phenomenon. However, with Trump’s tariffs, some observers are concerned that these acquisitions could be slowed down. Even so, foreign companies continue to acquire iconic American brands, drawn by the U.S.’s vast consumer market, established distribution networks, and cutting-edge technology. Foreign companies, for the most part, continue to preserve the American link to the brands they acquire.
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