World's 10 most powerful brands

Technology giant Apple has been ranked the most powerful brand by Forbes. At No. 2 is rival Microsoft, and global beverage giant Coca-Cola is third. Here's a list of the top 10 global brands.

Apple | Rank 1 | Brand value: $87.1 billion

The company manufactures a range of computers, mobile phones and media playing devices, the most popular among them being the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad.

Microsoft | Rank 2 | Brand value: $54.7 billion

Following Apple is Microsoft, another technology giant, which was once the undisputed market leader in this space. The company is engaged in developing, licensing and supporting a range of software products and services.

Coca-Cola | Rank 3 | Brand value: $50.2 billion

The beverage company owns or licenses and markets more than 500 non-alcoholic beverage brands, including soft drinks and juices, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, and energy and sports drinks.

IBM | Rank 4 | Brand value: $48.5 billion

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is an information technology company, which operates under five segments: Global Technology Services, Global Business Services, Software, Systems and Technology, and Global Financing.

Google | Rank 5 | Brand value: $37.6 billion

The technology company, a global search engine giant, is now moving into other spheres. The company offers services such as Google Maps and Google Earth, apart from the popular Android mobile operating system.

Intel | Rank 6 | Brand value: $32.3 billion

Intel Corporation designs and manufactures integrated digital technology platforms, which it sells to computer manufacturers the world over.

McDonald's | Rank 7 | Brand value: $37.4 billion

McDonald's Corporation operates McDonald's restaurants in 119 countries. All restaurants are operated either by the company or by franchisees.

General Electric | Rank 8 | Brand Value: $33.7 billion

General Electric Company is a diversified technology and financial services corporation. The products and services range from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and household appliances to medical imaging, business and consumer financing and industrial products.

BMW | Rank 9 | Brand value: $26.3 billion

The Germany-based car maker owns three brands—BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce. Its most popular offerings include the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series range of sedans, and the X Series range of SUVs.

Cisco | Rank 10 | Brand value: $26.3 billion

Cisco Systems designs, manufactures, and sells Internet protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry and provide services associated with these products and their use.