The term "Hidden Champions" though usually refers to "boring industry" companies like part suppliers, not actual manufacturers of consumer products.

Like the one company that practically has a monopoly on manufacturing the plastic part that goes on the end of flat roof drains -- not exactly something to write home about, but still a massively stable market creating plenty of jobs.

In the US, the big three automakers generally don't acquire small companies. A lot of work in the industry is done by companies like Delphi (who also have sites in Germany)