evidence: Iconic 'American' Brands That Are Foreign-Owned [...] If the deal goes through (there are political worries about Chinese food safety, and another company could always step in and make another offer), it will be the largest acquisition of an American company by a Chinese outfit. According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2012, Chinese buyers agreed to spend $11.57 billion in 49 deals to acquire U.S. companies or stakes in U.S. firms.