Google, the top Internet search engine which is expected by bankers to list its shares this year, has gained a fillip as it was named Global Brand of the Year by consultants Interbrand for the second year running.
And while Apple Computer was once again pipped into second place in Interbrand"s Brandchannel ranking of high-impact brands named on Tuesday, nostalgia-driven small car Mini zoomed up the list to third place from 11th.
Google, whose minimalist interface and lack of advertising links have made it a firm favourite among net-heads and casual surfers alike, is said by bankers to be planning a share listing that is likely to raise $4 billion (2.2 billion pounds) for the Mountain View, California based firm.