The world's top 10 valuable brands

1. Google

Internet search engine giant Google has emerged as the world's number one brand and is also the first one to touch the $100 billion value mark, despite the economic slowdown.

According to the fourth annual BrandZ top 100 most valuable global brands ranking, Google is the number one brand with a value of $100 billion and is way ahead of  Microsoft. The world leading search engine, Google was co-founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in September 1998. 

"Google had a good quarter given the depth of the recession - while revenues were down quarter over quarter, they grew 6 per cent year over year, thanks to continued strong query growth. These results underline both the resilience of our business model and the ongoing potential of the web as users and advertisers shift online," said Eric Schmidt recently, after announcing the results.

"Going forward, our priority remains investing for the long term to drive future growth in our core and emerging businesses."

2. Microsoft

Microsoft is at the second position with a value of $76.2 billion. The total value of the top 100 most valuable global brands has increased by 2 per cent to $1.95 trillion and among the top 100 brands, 85 remain from last year’s listing, the report published by research firm Millward Brown Optimor said.

Microsoft Corporation founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen develops and manufactures a wide range of software products for computing devices.

According to the BrandZ study, some of the world’s fastest growing brands have been built by personalising technology. The success of brands like Google, BlackBerry, Apple and Amazon is amazing. Each of these brands is delivering an experience that is not only easy, friendly and fun to use, but one that is customized to each user.

Coca-Cola has entered the top three league for the first time with a value of $67.6 billion.

The study further said in a year of global financial turmoil, when every key financial indicator plummeted, the value of brands remained strong.

The Coca-Cola Company is the one of world's largest beverage companies. Muhtar Kent is the CEO and president of the company.

The study states that North America owns a large number of the highest-value brands. Asia is home to a growing number of leading brands, especially in the car, financial institution, and technology categories.

IBM is at fourth place with a value of 66.6 billion. With over 388,000 employees worldwide, IBM is one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. The company was founded in 1896 as the Tabulating Machine Company by Herman Hollerith, in Broome County, New York.

Samuel J. Palmisano is the chairman, and CEO of the company.

Commenting on the findings Millward Brown Optimor CEO Joanna Seddon said: "In the current environment, where the value of many businesses has fallen, brand has become even more important because it can help to sustain companies in tough times".

Seddon further said "those who continue to invest in their brand will be better positioned for business growth as the economic situation starts to improve than those who have cut spend".

5. McDonalds

McDonalds is ranked as the fifth most valuable brand with a value of $66.5 billion. McDonalds is the world's largest chain of fast food restaurants, serving nearly 47 million customers daily.

The fast food business began in 1940, with the opening of a restaurant opened by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. James A. Skinner is the chairman and CEO.

6. Apple

Apple is ranked as the sixth most valuable brand with a value of $63.1 billion. Apple Inc designs and manufactures consumer electronics and software products.

The company's best-known hardware products include Macintosh computers, the iPod and the iPhone. Incorporated on January 3, 1977, the company was established by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

7. China Mobile

China Mobile bags the 7th position with a value of $61.2 billion. The company tops the most valuable list in Asia.

China Mobile was incorporated in Hong Kong on 3 September 1997. A leading mobile services provider in China, the Group has one of the world’s largest mobile networks and largest mobile subscriber base.

8. GE

General (GE) is at the 8th position with a value of $59.7 billion. The technology and services conglomerate was founded by Thomas Edison. Jeffrey Immelt is the current chairman of the board and chief executive officer of General Electric.

“We have always believed that building strong leaders is a strategic imperative. When times are easy, leadership can be taken for granted. When the world is turbulent, you appreciate great people,” says Jeffrey Immelt.

9. Vodafone

Vodafone is the 9th most valuable brand with a value of $53.7 billion. Vodafone is one of the largest mobile telecommunications network companies in the world in terms of turnover.

Vodafone currently has operations in 25 countries and has partner networks in 42 countries. Vittorio Colao is the CEO of the company.

Marlboro is the 10th most valuable brand with a value of $49.4 billion. Marlboro is a brand of cigarettes made by Philip Morris USA. The brand is named after Great Marlborough Street, the location of its original London Factory.