The last 4 years google was holding the first place on this ranking list, now the last days brandz.com decided to replace google with Apple, and as you can see here on their page were you can browse the top 100global brands and also read their report to it Brandz Top 100 / 2011(Most valuable global brands)
Also this video could be interesting - fast view through the Top 100 global brands.
Apple has grown about 84% the last year and so on they managed to get in this high position.
Steve Jobs says in an Interview: "Apple users feel their individuality and express them with apple products, this will continue"
The next upcoming candidate is Facebook they have grewn about 245% and this year is their first time on the Top 100 global brand list, they start there at the 35.th Place.
