Name That Company

My origins can be traced back to an 18th century maker of artificial mineral water in Switzerland and a 19th century English purveyor of tea and coffee. In my icebox you’ll find Seven-Up, A&W;, Canada Dry, Clamato, Dr Pepper, Orange Crush and Squirt. Despite my big beverage business, nearly half my revenue comes from confections. I’ve acquired many companies, such as Peter Paul Inc. back in 1978. My products are cranked out in some 100 plants all over the world and are sold in more than 200 countries. My chairman is a knight. Who am I?

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Last Week’s Trivia Answer

The two guys who founded me also co-founded American Express Co. When they couldn’t persuade AmEx to join the gold rush to California, they started me. Within seven months, they were making money providing communications, transportation and financial services. Among other things, I converted unprocessed gold to U.S. coins and pioneered express mail. I processed the first electronic transaction--in 1864. I’m now No. 2 in my field in California, with assets of more than $100 billion. None other than Warren Buffett is a major investor. Who am I?

Answer: Wells Fargo & Co.

Our Los Angeles Times winner is...Rich Mayne of Altadena, who wins a copy of “Conquering Your Financial Stress: The Five-Point Plan for Generating True Wealth” by Bruce Eaton.