1. Google
According to the fourth annual Brands 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.
2. Microsoft
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 worlds 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.
3. Coca-Cola
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.
4. IBM
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
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 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.
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.
10. Marlboro
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.