Popular U.S. Companies You Thought Were Owned By Americans, But Aren’t
Some companies are as American as it gets. Many companies were established and became the backbone of America. As far as the owners are concerned, their business will stay in America forever. However, not all companies would rather fail then pass off ownership to foreigners. Founders are willing to hand over the company keys for a check that has more than a few zeros at the end of it. These are the companies you always thought were American, but aren’t anymore. Even the most seemingly American things like burgers, beer, and car tires aren’t American owned.
Trader Joe’s is German-Owned
Trader Joe’s seems to be as American as it gets. Yes, it has some island flair to it, but that’s just the personality of the store. People adore Trader Joes whether it’s for the food, atmosphere, green initiative, or the two-buck Chuck wine.
Most people also assume that it’s owned by some American family that has an obsession with tikis and Hawaiian shirts. Although Trader Joes was founded by Joe Columbus in Pasadena, California in 1968, it has been German-owned for years. It was bought by Aldi’s Theo Albrecht in 1979 and is now owned by his heirs.
