Chinese ownership has quietly taken control of several iconic American brands, reshaping the landscape of U.S. business. From household appliances to entertainment and food production, these acquisitions highlight the global economic interconnection and raises questions about brand identity and influence.
Here is a list of nine iconic American brands that are actually owned by Chinese companies. This demonstrates how foreign investment has transformed familiar names into global enterprises under Chinese control.
1. Hoover and Dirt Devil Vacuums
The Hoover brand, a staple in American households, is now fully owned by Chinese companies. In 2007, Whirlpool sold the U.S. division to Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong-based firm that also owns Dirt Devil.
The international Hoover brand was previously owned by Italian Candy until it was sold to Chinese electronics giant Haier in 2019, placing the entire Hoover brand under Chinese control.
Although headquartered in the U.S., the majority of Hoover and Dirt Devil vacuums are now manufactured in China.
2. AMC Theaters
AMC Theaters, a major American cinema chain and a poster child of the 2022 meme stock frenzy, was bought by China’s Dalian Wanda Group in 2012 for $2.6 billion.
While other investors have come aboard, Wanda Group still retains majority control, a significant Chinese foothold in the U.S. entertainment industry. The acquisition of AMC reflects China’s growing influence in the global media and entertainment sectors.
3. Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods, the largest pork producer in the United States, was acquired by China’s WH Group (formerly Shuanghui International Holdings) in 2013 for $4.7 billion.
It was one of the largest Chinese acquisitions of an American company at the time. Smithfield Foods’ extensive brand portfolio, including Smithfield and Cook’s, now operates under Chinese ownership, granting China a significant role in the American meat industry.
4. Motorola Mobility
Once a symbol of American innovation in telecommunications, Motorola Mobility is now owned by Lenovo, a Chinese technology giant.
Lenovo acquired Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.91 billion in 2014, after Google had acquired it for $12.6 billion in 2012.
The purchase of Motorola expanded Lenovo’s presence in the global smartphone market and marked a shift of Motorola’s brand into Chinese ownership.
5. Waldorf Astoria New York
The Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue in New York City is an icon of history and luxury. In 2014, Chinese insurance giant Anbang Insurance Group acquired it for $1.95 billion.
The purchase was one of the most expensive hotel acquisitions ever. While Hilton Worldwide will continue to operate the hotel until 2114, the acquisition reflects China’s strategic investment in prestigious U.S. real estate assets.
6. Chicago Stock Exchange
China’s Chongqing Casin Enterprise Group has made efforts to buy the Chicago Stock Exchange. While this deal is still pending, it has passed an initial review by American regulators even as some members of Congress express concerns about it.
The acquisition aims to provide Chinese companies greater access to U.S. capital markets. The price of the deal was not disclosed, but it is believed to be less than $100 million. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is still reviewing the transaction.
7. GE Appliances
GE Appliances, a historic American brand known for stoves, refrigerators, and washing machines, was sold to Qingdao Haier for $5.4 billion in 2016.
It constituted China’s biggest purchase of an overseas electronics business. Despite its Chinese ownership, GE Appliances is still headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and operates as an independent unit, maintaining its American operational base.
8. Riot Games
Riot Games, the company behind the massively popular video game “League of Legends,” was originally an independent American company.
The Chinese holding company Tencent purchased a majority stake for $400 million in 2011 and acquired the remaining shares in 2015.
Tencent has made other significant investments in other gaming companies, solidifying its influence in the global gaming industry through Riot Games.
9. Ingram Micro
Ingram Micro, one of the world’s largest distributors of technology products, including Apple iPhones and Cisco equipment, was acquired by China’s HNA Group for $6 billion.
The acquisition ended the public trading of Ingram Micro shares. However, the company is still based in Irvine, California, with its existing CEO. This deal illustrates Chinese investment in American technology distribution and supply chains.
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