In a unique move, social networking site Twitter has signed a lucrative "first of its kind" advertising contract with digital agency Starcom MediaVest to uniquely promote clients like Walmart, Microsoft and Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola CMO Joseph Tripodi has delivered a stinging riposte to the multitude of recent critics of Facebook, after its disastrous IPO flotation and questions over advertising value in recent weeks.

Research has shown that consumers are well-aware of giants McDonald's and Coca-Cola as chief sponsors of the London 2012 Olympics.

Here are the top ten MVBs (most valuable brands) in the world, according to Millward Brown’s annual BrandZ report: