The Strategist Quiz (#328)

1. This company in the early 1900s undertook every imaginable means of unfair competition, including physically assaulting competitor's employees. Its field force consisted of Knockout Salesmen, who fanned across the US selling machines that were copies of competitors' machines, but did not work. Finally in 1913, its top executives were indicted for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and were sentenced to a year in jail. Name the company.
    
2. In order to help their finances, three public authorities in Europe resorted to selling a prized commodity they all stocked. The French city of Dijon sold off 3,500 bottles roughly half its stock of this commodity to fund municipal services. The UK government sold from its vast collection for the first time, putting 54 bottles of the best up for sale to raise £74,000. The French presidency put 1,200 bottles of its finest on the block, which comprised one-tenth of the Elysee Palace's cellar. Name the commodity.
    
3. This bank's origin dates back to the late 1880s. It published its first annual report this month to become more open after a money laundering scandal. Name it.
    
4. This company was founded after an invention made by a great British inventor, entrepreneur and eccentric. He got the inspiration for his product from an egg timer he saw at a pub. He also made underwater naturist films, flew helicopters, drove a fire engine, was a World War II pilot, a talented accountant and owned a naturist camp. His invention celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Name the product and the company's founder.
    
5. What is the slang used for describing the sale of a security or other asset regardless of how much loss will be incurred?
    
6. Which company is using a new age material called Imflux to revolutionise its product packaging?
    
7. An advertisement, which lasted less than a minute showing tipsy Scotsmen in kilts, was projected on to a building in New York's Herald Square way back in 1897. It was the first ever filmed advertisement for a beverage. Name it.
    
8. What is common to the following books: Animal Spirits, Finance & the Good Society and The New Financial order?
    
9. Which brand is linked with this baseline "Come meet your dark side"?
    
10. Identify the company from these logos. Mention the significance the first logo
    

 

One lucky winner will receive a cheque for Rs 2,000. Send your entries to strategist@bsmail.in. All entries must carry the postal address of the contestant. Last date for receiving entries: October 29, till 8 pm. Previous winners and employees of Business Standard and their families are not eligible to participate.