Top 10 Global Brands 2009

Brands are not created overnight. They are result of vision, single minded devotion, strong work ethics, innovation, out of box marketing strategies, and business acumen. Strong brands have magic-like power. They can intoxicate masses. They create a sense of trust among consumers and fear among competitors. They have a certain edge over their competitors. Their new products ease into the market with a low entry cost. They reduce business risk and help attract and retain talented staff.

Millward Brown came up with new rankings of global brands measured by their dollar value. Follow the list below.

1 .

Brand value: $100,039 million

As expected, Google is the king of brands. What Google has achieved in a decade is something that others could not even get in a century. With a massive brand value of $100,039, it is far ahead than its closest rival Microsoft in terms of brand value. In 2008 brand Google was valued at $86,057 million.

2.

Brand value: $76,249 million

The personal computers giant Microsoft is second only to Google and it is not surprise to see this name in the list of most powerful brands. Microsoft in a way has become the synonym of personal computer. It has also improved its position from its last year’s standing. In 2008 Microsoft was at third position.

3.

Brand value: $67,625 million

Coca Cola, as it claims is sold in more than 200 countries. Originally intended as a patent medicine when it was invented in the late 19th century by John Pemberton, Coca-Cola was bought out by businessman Asa Griggs Candler, whose marketing tactics led Coke to its dominance of the world soft-drink market throughout the 20th century. Today, it is one of the most well known brands internationally. It was at 4th position in global brands standings in 2008. In 2009 it is firmly placed at third.

4.

Brand Value: $66,622 million

IBM is one of those oldest IT companies that are still flourishing. IBM manufacturers hardware and develop software, though its specialization is the former. It is well known for its researches and has eight laboratories around the world. With a brand value of $66,622 million, it is at third position in global brands standings. It was no. 6 in 2008.

5.

Brand value: $66,575 million

McDonald’s is perhaps the most popular chain of fast food restaurants in the world. It has improved by 3 from its 2008 standing to secure 5th spot in 2009.

6.

Apple

Brand value: $63,113 million

Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and manufactures consumer electronics and computer software products. The company is best-known for hardware products such as Macintosh computers, the iPod, and the iPhone. Apple is also one spot advanced to its last year’s standing.

7.

Brand Value: $61,283 million

China Mobile, a state-owned enterprise is world’s largest mobile network. China Mobile has also the greatest number of mobile subscribers. As of 2009, it is the world's largest mobile phone operator, with more than 508 million subscribers. But it seems losing its grip in the global brand value. In 2009, it is 2 positions below its last year’s ranking. In 2008, China Mobile was at 5th spot.

8.

Brand value: $59,793 million

GE or General Electric had been ranked the world’s largest company in the world by Forbes with a strength of 3, 23,000 employees. But in the rankings of global brands, it is the biggest loser. GE is 6 positions below by its last year’s rank.

9.

Brand value: $53,727 million

Vodafone, a British multinational mobile network operator is the world's largest mobile telecommunication network company, based on revenue. It currently has operations in 31 countries and partner networks in a further 40 countries. It advanced by 2 spots from last year’s standing.

10.

Brand Value: $49,460 million

Marlboro, major cigarettes brand has retained its position and is firmly stands on 10th.