Levi Strauss & Co

Founded in 1853 by Bavarian immigrant Levi Strauss, this company is one of the world's largest brand-name apparel marketers, with sales in more than 100 countries. Levi Strauss and Nevada tailor Jacob Davis invented Levi jeans in 1873, when they patented the process of putting rivets in pants for strength. Today, the company sells jeans and casual sportswear under the Levi's and Dockers brands. Levi Strauss, based in San Francisco, is private, but shares of Levi Strauss Japan KK, the company's Japanese affiliate, trade in Japan. Chairman Robert Haas is the great-great-grandnephew of founder Levi Strauss. R. John Anderson is chief executive officer. Brands: 501, Dockers, L2, Levi's, Silvertab's