50 Brands You Didn't Know Were Owned by the Same Company

They Are All Connected

The modern consumer marketplace looks like a vast landscape of independent brands competing for your attention. But behind the colorful packaging and distinct marketing campaigns, a surprisingly small number of corporations own most of what you buy.

This list highlights 50 brands that share corporate parents in ways that might surprise you. Some pairs seem obvious in hindsight. Others are genuinely unexpected. All of them illustrate how concentrated brand ownership has become across every consumer category.

Unilever: The Everyday Empire

Unilever, the British-Dutch consumer goods giant, owns brands across personal care, food, and home care that most consumers would never connect to the same company.

Surprising pairs:

1. Dove soap and Hellmann's mayonnaise - The brand that promotes "Real Beauty" and America's #1 mayo brand share the same corporate parent.

2. Vaseline petroleum jelly and Knorr bouillon cubes - Skincare and soup seasoning, both Unilever.

3. AXE body spray and Dove moisturizer - AXE's provocative marketing and Dove's empowerment messaging are both Unilever strategies targeting different demographics.

4. TRESemme shampoo and Lipton tea - Salon-quality hair care and the world's most popular tea brand, same owner. (Note: Unilever sold its tea business including Lipton to CVC Capital Partners in 2022, retaining Lipton's ready-to-drink business as a joint venture.)

5. Magnum ice cream and Sunsilk shampoo - Premium ice cream bars and affordable hair care, both from Unilever. (Note: Unilever separated its ice cream division, including Magnum, into an independent company in 2025.)

Procter & Gamble: From Diapers to Razors

P&G owns an astonishing range of household and personal care brands that consumers rarely associate with a single company.

Surprising pairs:

6. Pampers diapers and Old Spice cologne - Baby products and men's grooming, both P&G.

7. Tide laundry detergent and Olay skincare - Cleaning your clothes and caring for your skin, same corporation.

8. Gillette razors and Oral-B toothbrushes - Shaving and dental care, both P&G. Gillette was acquired in 2005 for $57 billion, one of the largest consumer goods deals ever.

9. Swiffer mops and Pantene shampoo - Floor cleaning and hair care, both developed and marketed by P&G.

10. Febreze air freshener and SK-II luxury skincare ($150+ products) - A $5 air freshener and a $150 face cream, same parent company.

Nestle: Coffee, Candy, and Cat Food

Nestle, the Swiss food giant, owns brands across categories that seem completely unrelated.

Surprising pairs:

11. KitKat chocolate and Purina dog food - The same Swiss company makes your chocolate break snack and your pet's dinner.

12. Nescafe coffee and Gerber baby food - Morning coffee and infant nutrition, both Nestle. Gerber was acquired in 2007 for $5.5 billion.

13. Perrier sparkling water and Hot Pockets - French mineral water and American microwavable snacks, same owner.

14. Nespresso pods and Fancy Feast cat food - Premium coffee capsules and gourmet cat food, both Nestle products.

15. Haagen-Dazs ice cream and Lean Cuisine diet meals - Indulgent ice cream and diet-focused frozen meals, surprisingly both under the same corporate umbrella. (Note: Nestle sold its North American water brands in 2021, and its U.S. confectionery business was sold to Ferrero in 2018, but Nestle retains KitKat globally except in the U.S.)

AB InBev: More Than Just Budweiser

AB InBev, the Belgian-Brazilian brewer, owns beer brands that consumers often think of as competitors.

Surprising pairs:

16. Budweiser and Stella Artois - The "Great American Lager" and the "premium Belgian import" are owned by the same Belgian-Brazilian corporation.

17. Corona and Michelob Ultra - Mexican beach beer and American low-calorie beer, both AB InBev (Corona outside U.S. only; Constellation Brands distributes Corona in the U.S.).

18. Goose Island craft beer and Natural Light - A respected craft brewery and one of America's cheapest beers, same parent.

19. Beck's and Hoegaarden - German lager and Belgian wheat beer, both AB InBev brands marketed as distinct national products.

20. Busch beer and Leffe abbey ale - American value beer and Belgian abbey ale with centuries of tradition, same corporation.

Mars: Candy Bars and Cat Litter

Mars, Incorporated, the privately held American company, has one of the most diverse brand portfolios in the world.

Surprising pairs:

21. Snickers and Pedigree dog food - The world's best-selling candy bar and one of the world's biggest dog food brands, same family-owned company.

22. M&M's and Whiskas cat food - Colorful candy and cat nutrition, both Mars.

23. Skittles and Royal Canin veterinary diets - "Taste the Rainbow" candy and prescription pet nutrition, same owner.

24. Twix and VCA Animal Hospitals - Chocolate bars and a chain of 1,000+ veterinary clinics, both Mars.

25. Pringles and Starburst - Stackable chips (acquired via Kellanova in 2025) and fruit chews, now both under Mars' roof.

Sony: Entertainment Across Formats

Sony, the Japanese technology conglomerate, connects entertainment brands across music, film, gaming, and electronics.

Surprising pairs:

26. PlayStation and Sony Music - Your gaming console and the record label behind Beyonce, Adele, and Harry Styles share a corporate parent.

27. Columbia Pictures and Sony Xperia smartphones - The film studio behind Spider-Man and Ghostbusters and the smartphone brand are both Sony.

28. Crunchyroll anime streaming and Sony headphones- Anime streaming and consumer electronics, both Sony Group.

LVMH: Luxury Meets... Luxury

LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate controlled by Bernard Arnault, connects luxury brands in ways that show how concentrated the high-end market is.

Surprising pairs:

29. Sephora and Hennessy cognac - A beauty retailer and a centuries-old spirits brand, same parent.

30. Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. - French leather goods and American diamonds, both LVMH since Tiffany was acquired for $15.8 billion in 2021.

31. Dior and TAG Heuer - French couture and Swiss watchmaking, both LVMH.

32. Dom Perignon champagne and Rimowa - Prestige champagne and premium suitcases, same luxury empire.

Microsoft: Tech, Gaming, and Professional Networks

Microsoft has assembled a diverse technology portfolio that goes well beyond Windows and Office.

Surprising pairs:

33. LinkedIn and Minecraft - The professional networking platform and the best-selling video game ever, both owned by Microsoft.

34. Xbox and GitHub - Gaming consoles and the world's largest code repository, same company.

35. Call of Duty and Microsoft Teams - The world's most popular first-person shooter and a corporate video conferencing tool, both Microsoft (via the $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023).

36. Candy Crush and Outlook email - Mobile gaming and email, both Microsoft properties since the Activision acquisition.

Berkshire Hathaway: Warren Buffett's Hidden Brands

Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's investment conglomerate, owns consumer brands most people would never associate with the legendary investor.

Surprising pairs:

37. Dairy Queen and GEICO - Ice cream treats and car insurance, both Berkshire Hathaway.

38. Duracell and See's Candies - Powering your devices and satisfying your sweet tooth, same conglomerate.

39. Fruit of the Loom and Brooks Running - Underwear and performance running shoes, both Berkshire Hathaway (Brooks was acquired as part of Fruit of the Loom's parent company).

40. Benjamin Moore paint and The Pampered Chef - House paint and kitchen gadgets, same corporate parent.

More Surprising Connections

Johnson & Johnson / Kenvue family:

41. Tylenol and Neutrogena - Pain relief and skincare, both now part of Kenvue (spun off from J&J in 2023).

42. Listerine and Aveeno - Mouthwash and oat-based skincare, both Kenvue brands.

43. Band-Aid and Zyrtec - Adhesive bandages and allergy medication, same company.

Colgate-Palmolive:

44. Colgate toothpaste and Hill's Science Diet pet food - Oral care and premium pet nutrition share the same parent company, Colgate-Palmolive.

45. Palmolive dish soap and Speed Stick deodorant - Dishwashing and personal care, both Colgate-Palmolive.

Other surprises:

46. Smirnoff vodka and Guinness beer - Russian-branded vodka and Irish stout, both owned by Diageo, the British spirits giant.

47. Jeep and Maserati - Rugged off-road vehicles and Italian luxury sports cars were both part of Stellantis (until Maserati's potential spin-off discussions in 2025).

48. 7-Eleven and Speedway - Two of America's largest convenience store chains, both owned by Seven & i Holdings, a Japanese corporation.

49. Hot Wheels and Barbie - Toy cars and fashion dolls, both Mattel brands that have been in the same portfolio for decades.

50. Ray-Ban and Oakley - Two iconic eyewear brands that appear to compete are both owned by EssilorLuxottica, the Franco-Italian eyewear conglomerate that controls a majority of the global eyewear market.

What This List Reveals

Several patterns emerge from these 50 brand pairs:

1. Category diversification is the norm. Major corporations rarely limit themselves to one product category. Mars makes candy and runs veterinary clinics. Sony makes gaming consoles and signs music artists. Berkshire Hathaway sells ice cream and underwear.

2. Competing brands under one roof is deliberate. When Budweiser and Stella Artois "compete," AB InBev wins either way. When Tide and Gain are side by side, P&G profits from both.

3. Acquisitions create unexpected connections. Microsoft did not set out to own both LinkedIn and Call of Duty. These connections emerged through strategic acquisitions over decades.

4. The appearance of choice exceeds the reality. In most consumer categories, a handful of corporations own the majority of options. The diversity on store shelves is often an illusion managed by sophisticated multi-brand portfolio strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many brands does Unilever own?

Unilever owns over 400 brands across personal care, food, home care, and other consumer categories. Following the 2025 ice cream separation, the company is focused on approximately 30 "power brands" that drive the majority of revenue.

How many brands does P&G own?

P&G owns approximately 65 brands across household, personal care, and beauty categories. The company has deliberately reduced its brand count from over 100, focusing on its highest-performing properties.

Does Mars really own pet hospitals?

Yes. Mars, Incorporated owns VCA Animal Hospitals (a chain of 1,000+ veterinary clinics), Banfield Pet Hospital, and BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. Mars' pet care division is actually larger by revenue than its confectionery division.

Why do companies own so many brands?

Owning multiple brands allows corporations to capture different consumer segments, maximize retail shelf space, create pricing tiers, defend against competition, and diversify risk. Each brand can target a specific demographic or need without diluting the others.

The Bottom Line

The 50 brand pairs in this list represent a fraction of the corporate connections hidden behind consumer-facing brands. Understanding these ownership relationships is not about choosing sides. It is about making informed decisions with full knowledge of where your money goes. The next time you compare two brands, consider checking whether they share a parent company. The answer might surprise you.

Want to discover more brand connections? Search our brand database or explore companies and their portfolios.

Sources

1. Unilever. "Our Brands." unilever.com/brands 2. Procter & Gamble. "Our Brands." us.pg.com/brands 3. Nestle. "Our Brands." nestle.com/brands 4. Mars, Incorporated. "Our Brands." mars.com/our-brands 5. AB InBev. "Our Brands." ab-inbev.com/our-brands 6. LVMH. "Houses." lvmh.com/houses 7. Microsoft. "Our Company." microsoft.com/about 8. Berkshire Hathaway. "Subsidiaries." berkshirehathaway.com

All brand ownership data verified through WhoBrands.com's research methodology. Last updated: February 10, 2026.

They Are All Connected

Unilever: The Everyday Empire

Unilever, the British-Dutch consumer goods giant, owns brands across personal care, food, and home care that most consumers would never connect to the same company.

Surprising pairs:

1. Dove soap and Hellmann's mayonnaise - The brand that promotes "Real Beauty" and America's #1 mayo brand share the same corporate parent.

2. Vaseline petroleum jelly and Knorr bouillon cubes - Skincare and soup seasoning, both Unilever.

3. AXE body spray and Dove moisturizer - AXE's provocative marketing and Dove's empowerment messaging are both Unilever strategies targeting different demographics.

Procter & Gamble: From Diapers to Razors

P&G owns an astonishing range of household and personal care brands that consumers rarely associate with a single company.

Surprising pairs:

6. Pampers diapers and Old Spice cologne - Baby products and men's grooming, both P&G.

7. Tide laundry detergent and Olay skincare - Cleaning your clothes and caring for your skin, same corporation.

8. Gillette razors and Oral-B toothbrushes - Shaving and dental care, both P&G. Gillette was acquired in 2005 for $57 billion, one of the largest consumer goods deals ever.

9. Swiffer mops and Pantene shampoo - Floor cleaning and hair care, both developed and marketed by P&G.

10. Febreze air freshener and SK-II luxury skincare ($150+ products) - A $5 air freshener and a $150 face cream, same parent company.

Nestle: Coffee, Candy, and Cat Food

Nestle, the Swiss food giant, owns brands across categories that seem completely unrelated.

Surprising pairs:

11. KitKat chocolate and Purina dog food - The same Swiss company makes your chocolate break snack and your pet's dinner.

12. Nescafe coffee and Gerber baby food - Morning coffee and infant nutrition, both Nestle. Gerber was acquired in 2007 for $5.5 billion.

13. Perrier sparkling water and Hot Pockets - French mineral water and American microwavable snacks, same owner.

14. Nespresso pods and Fancy Feast cat food - Premium coffee capsules and gourmet cat food, both Nestle products.

AB InBev: More Than Just Budweiser

AB InBev, the Belgian-Brazilian brewer, owns beer brands that consumers often think of as competitors.

Surprising pairs:

16. Budweiser and Stella Artois - The "Great American Lager" and the "premium Belgian import" are owned by the same Belgian-Brazilian corporation.

17. Corona and Michelob Ultra - Mexican beach beer and American low-calorie beer, both AB InBev (Corona outside U.S. only; Constellation Brands distributes Corona in the U.S.).

18. Goose Island craft beer and Natural Light - A respected craft brewery and one of America's cheapest beers, same parent.

19. Beck's and Hoegaarden - German lager and Belgian wheat beer, both AB InBev brands marketed as distinct national products.

20. Busch beer and Leffe abbey ale - American value beer and Belgian abbey ale with centuries of tradition, same corporation.

Mars: Candy Bars and Cat Litter

Mars, Incorporated, the privately held American company, has one of the most diverse brand portfolios in the world.

Surprising pairs:

21. Snickers and Pedigree dog food - The world's best-selling candy bar and one of the world's biggest dog food brands, same family-owned company.

22. M&M's and Whiskas cat food - Colorful candy and cat nutrition, both Mars.

23. Skittles and Royal Canin veterinary diets - "Taste the Rainbow" candy and prescription pet nutrition, same owner.

24. Twix and VCA Animal Hospitals - Chocolate bars and a chain of 1,000+ veterinary clinics, both Mars.

25. Pringles and Starburst - Stackable chips (acquired via Kellanova in 2025) and fruit chews, now both under Mars' roof.

Sony: Entertainment Across Formats

Sony, the Japanese technology conglomerate, connects entertainment brands across music, film, gaming, and electronics.

Surprising pairs:

26. PlayStation and Sony Music - Your gaming console and the record label behind Beyonce, Adele, and Harry Styles share a corporate parent.

27. Columbia Pictures and Sony Xperia smartphones - The film studio behind Spider-Man and Ghostbusters and the smartphone brand are both Sony.

28. Crunchyroll anime streaming and Sony headphones- Anime streaming and consumer electronics, both Sony Group.

LVMH: Luxury Meets... Luxury

LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate controlled by Bernard Arnault, connects luxury brands in ways that show how concentrated the high-end market is.

Surprising pairs:

29. Sephora and Hennessy cognac - A beauty retailer and a centuries-old spirits brand, same parent.

30. Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. - French leather goods and American diamonds, both LVMH since Tiffany was acquired for $15.8 billion in 2021.

31. Dior and TAG Heuer - French couture and Swiss watchmaking, both LVMH.

32. Dom Perignon champagne and Rimowa - Prestige champagne and premium suitcases, same luxury empire.

Microsoft: Tech, Gaming, and Professional Networks

Microsoft has assembled a diverse technology portfolio that goes well beyond Windows and Office.

Surprising pairs:

33. LinkedIn and Minecraft - The professional networking platform and the best-selling video game ever, both owned by Microsoft.

34. Xbox and GitHub - Gaming consoles and the world's largest code repository, same company.

36. Candy Crush and Outlook email - Mobile gaming and email, both Microsoft properties since the Activision acquisition.

Berkshire Hathaway: Warren Buffett's Hidden Brands

Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett's investment conglomerate, owns consumer brands most people would never associate with the legendary investor.

Surprising pairs:

37. Dairy Queen and GEICO - Ice cream treats and car insurance, both Berkshire Hathaway.

38. Duracell and See's Candies - Powering your devices and satisfying your sweet tooth, same conglomerate.

39. Fruit of the Loom and Brooks Running - Underwear and performance running shoes, both Berkshire Hathaway (Brooks was acquired as part of Fruit of the Loom's parent company).

40. Benjamin Moore paint and The Pampered Chef - House paint and kitchen gadgets, same corporate parent.

More Surprising Connections

Johnson & Johnson / Kenvue family:

41. Tylenol and Neutrogena - Pain relief and skincare, both now part of Kenvue (spun off from J&J in 2023).

42. Listerine and Aveeno - Mouthwash and oat-based skincare, both Kenvue brands.

43. Band-Aid and Zyrtec - Adhesive bandages and allergy medication, same company.

Colgate-Palmolive:

44. Colgate toothpaste and Hill's Science Diet pet food - Oral care and premium pet nutrition share the same parent company, Colgate-Palmolive.

45. Palmolive dish soap and Speed Stick deodorant - Dishwashing and personal care, both Colgate-Palmolive.

Other surprises:

46. Smirnoff vodka and Guinness beer - Russian-branded vodka and Irish stout, both owned by Diageo, the British spirits giant.

47. Jeep and Maserati - Rugged off-road vehicles and Italian luxury sports cars were both part of Stellantis (until Maserati's potential spin-off discussions in 2025).

48. 7-Eleven and Speedway - Two of America's largest convenience store chains, both owned by Seven & i Holdings, a Japanese corporation.

49. Hot Wheels and Barbie - Toy cars and fashion dolls, both Mattel brands that have been in the same portfolio for decades.

What This List Reveals

Several patterns emerge from these 50 brand pairs:

2. Competing brands under one roof is deliberate. When Budweiser and Stella Artois "compete," AB InBev wins either way. When Tide and Gain are side by side, P&G profits from both.

3. Acquisitions create unexpected connections. Microsoft did not set out to own both LinkedIn and Call of Duty. These connections emerged through strategic acquisitions over decades.