Looks like it is authority based. I tried a non brand, non navigational kw for "louisville kentucky papers" and our main paper came up, with all the extra links.
With the brands thinking I had earlier, it would seem to be that if your a brand yourself then your the authority for yourself. But this does seem to be based on authority right now.
Interestingly, a search for Ebay doesn't bring it up.
But if you search for a physical product it displays the image of the product and link to Amazon, eby, Tiger Direct. Google boosting its affiliate earnings?
Also, if a authority site has a generic name it also takes up the large space. Bodybuilding, Womens Health... can't think of any longtail brands atm.