top brands 46-47-48

United States Internet Services===eBay

eBay has historically dominated the world of online auctions but there appear to be changes afoot. Recognizing that customers (both buyers and sellers) increasingly want to be able to trade without necessarily entering into an auction, eBay is encouraging fixed-price listings by making changes to its fee structure. This demonstrates responsiveness and a willingness to flex its business model to meet changing needs. However, the move also represents a shift away from its auction roots and makes its offering more closely resemble that of Amazon. International expansion has been good, though eBay is still struggling with the format in China and Japan, being forced to team up with partners with a better understanding of the local markets.

United States Computer Services===Accenture

As the world’s largest business processing outsourcer, Accenture has benefited from its solid track record of efficiency as businesses are now more cautious about how they spend. The brand is still benefiting from the halo effect of Tiger Woods, its celebrity sponsor, who reinforces the message that Accenture understands what it takes to be “high-performance.”

Germany Diversified===Siemens



Siemens has led the charge in reaching consumers in emerging markets. With increased investments in infrastructure and services aimed at an older demographic, it has increased demand for its services in some interesting places. An investment in sustainable technologies and energy solutions, along with a willingness to be a spokesman on the subject, is helping frame the brand in a progressive light. However, a lack of strong brand communications, coupled with reputational damage following a recent corruption scandal have limited brand value growth

top brands 43-44-45

Netherlands Diversified===Philips

Philips has always been well-regarded in the electronics field and is leading the way when it comes to sustainability. It was awarded the Stars of Energy prize in 2008 in recognition of its work in energy preservation. The brand’s products are becoming increasingly diversified and, after recognizing healthcare as a key growth area, it has an innovative range of health diagnostic products at various stages of development.

Canada Media===Thomson Reuters

The highly publicized merger and rebranding of Thomson Reuters has created one of the strongest players in the industry, with a big presence in high-growth regions such as India, China and the Middle East. It will take time for the brand to reach its true potential as the group restructures to become more efficient but, with exciting new services for mobile devices and increasingly intelligent data management, Thomson Reuters is shaping up to be one to watch.

Italy Luxury===Gucci


One of the world’s most coveted luxury brands, Gucci can’t afford to rest on its laurels. The brand has capitalized on its lead positioning of creativity, quality, and the kudos of being “Made in Italy.” With a retail network it directly owns and operates, Gucci has a firm grip on both its brand and the revenues it generates, something that will provide an advantage as it enters into emerging markets such as India.

top brands 40-41-42

Japan Consumer Electronics===Nintendo

In just a few short months, Nintendo pulled off something the gaming industry had been struggling to do for years – widen the market. With the phenomenal success of the Wii and DS consoles, Nintendo has fuelled the acceptance of video games as a form of entertainment for all age groups and genders, giving the games console a legitimate place in the living room and people’s hearts. Innovation continues to drive the brand as new concepts, such as Wii Fit and the Brain Training series, push the boundaries of what video games can be and the ways in which people can engage with them.

Switzerland Financial Services===UBS

Overall, UBS was one of the brands hit the hardest by the credit crisis. It suffered massive losses on sizeable trading positions in the US and was hurt by the sudden collapse in the US mortgage securitization market. Disagreements on the inside fuelled a new lack of confidence that has damaged a brand that had always been known for its prudence. Litigation cases in the US have also contributed to reputational damage. Against this backdrop, expansion outside the US remained steady, but unspectacular, and UBS still has an over-reliance on partnerships.

United States Financial Services===Morgan Stanley


Morgan Stanley lost a lot of ground this year and will need to work hard to reclaim its position. Like many of its competitors, the bank has been involved in a class-action suit with shareholders outraged by its delay in disclosing the level of its exposure to mortgage-backed-securities in the US. Economic crisis aside, the brand is attempting to re-build trust by focusing on its illustrious heritage.

top brands 37-38-39

United States financial Services===JP Morgan

Despite having an innovative and more diversified business than many of its direct competitors, JP Morgan has still suffered at the hands of the US credit crunch. Along with a fall in overall performance, earnings per share fell 49%. Compared to the competitors, however, JP Morgan was not viewed as carrying as much risk and therefore did not suffer as much damage to its reputation.

United States Financial Services===Goldman Sachs

Even Goldman Sachs proved vulnerable to the economic turmoil in the US, especially in credit markets. Its shares were down a significant percentage from the previous year and it was forced to write off over $2 billion. Yet, the firm’s ability to manage its risks and still have time for philanthropy has kept it in people’s good books. Despite a fall, it has done better than many of its rivals and has actually strengthened its brand in relative terms.

United States Food===Kellogg’s


The Kellogg’s brand continues to thrive, both in the US and overseas. The greater public awareness of healthy eating has put pressure on some of its higher salt and sugar content products, and the way its children’s products are marketed. This has been cleverly offset by a big push behind the benefits of its more healthy brands, such as Special K. Kellogg’s has vowed to reformulate many of its flagship brands to healthier recipes and meet self-imposed health standards over the next year and a half. Its healthy agenda was also supported by its purchase of Bear Naked – the second-biggest maker of granola behind Quakers in the US – a brand bursting with health benefits.