Economic crisis wipes $6.3 trillion intangible value since January 2011

Brand Finance plc, the worlds leading independent brand valuation consultancy, yesterday revealed the impact of the economic crisis on the 100 leading Global and US brands.

Tougher legislation, sluggish activity in the corporate market and on-going fears regarding exposure to sovereign debt has meant banking and insurance brands have suffered. Bank brands in the top 100 have lost $25.9 b from their total brand value (7%) since January 2011.

HSBC has become the world’s most valuable bank brand keeping a steady position at 10. Bank of America experienced a brand value fall of $5.3 b taking it down to position 14. Likewise Wells Fargo saw a 12% reduction in brand value and Santander also slipped back in the league table with a reduction of $3.3 b.

The economic crisis has not led to a blanket reduction in brand value. Technology and electronics brands are prospering with Google, Apple and Microsoft taking the top 3 positions in the league table. Apple has increased its value by 33%, making it a more valuable brand than Microsoft for the first time.

The total brand value for the 46 US headquartered brands declined 2% from January. US brands dependent on their home market suffered bigger losses than global brands including McDonald’s, Nike and Coca-Cola who all improve their position in the league table.

Japanese brands dropped 3% as a result of the tsunami disrupting business. Europe has also felt the pressure with Spanish brands down 13% and France 5%, both are exposed to issues within the financial services sector.

In contrast, emerging economies including China, India and South Korea all show strong performances. In China the total brand value increased with two new brands entering the top 100; PetroChina and China Life Insurance Company. Argricultural Bank of China increased brand value by $1.5 b, rising from 99 to 71 in the league table.

Samsung is another notable performer, increasing the value of its brand to $26.6 b (up 24%). The South Korean company has not experienced the supply chain disruptions by their Japanese competitors and is developing a stronger hold on both the TV and smart phone markets. Similarly in India TATA moved up the league table with a new brand value of $14.8 b at position 41 (previously 50).