Apple turns over Google in brand rankings

The iPad maker's brand value has increased by 859 per cent since 2006

Apple has ended Google's four-year reign as the world's most valuable brand, research has found.

The iPad maker's brand value powered up 84 per cent last year to $153m (£94m), according to Millward Brown Optimor's 2011 Most Valuable Global Brands list.

That allowed it to overtake long-time leader Google, which saw its brand value shrink two per cent to $111m.

The analysis, which combines financial data and consumer measures of brand equity, put IBM in third on $101m following a 17 per cent rise in Big Blue's brand equity. Microsoft was sandwiched between McDonald's and Coca-Cola in fifth place.

In fact, tech and telecom brands dominated the rankings, making up a third of the top 100 brands. Facebook was among the new tech entrants, making its debut at number 35.

The survey's authors stressed that Apple's brand value has increased by 859 per cent since 2006.

"By nurturing its brand and constantly innovating, Apple is able to command a high price premium and weather economic turbulence, providing a global business success story that other brands can learn from," said Eileen Campbell, chief executive of Millward Brown.