[via brandchannel.com]

In 2005’s results, Google took the lead from Apple in what is shaping up to be a back and forth contest through the years for these two innovative tech companies. Each year one out-does the other, and this time it is Google’s turn to shine.

Nokia pulled back up to number one for Europe & Africa after slipping in the past years from first place (2001 and 2002) to third (2003) and then fourth in 2004.

[…] Swedish retailer Ikea has lurked at the number one or two spot for the last four years; in 2005, it settles into the second spot behind its eastern neighbor Nokia. Ikea opened over 20 new stores in 2005, helpfully showing 410 million shoppers how to fill a space and budget with cheap Scandinavian design.