These figures boldly show the extent to which google is fast becoming one of the most powerful corporations in the UK advertising market.

Compared to the breathtaking sales growth of 80% in 2006 it’s clear there has been a slowdown, however, Google continues to develop at an astronomical rate with reports that the search engine spent $3.1 billion on the acquisition of internet advertising firm DoubleClick and $909.6 million on other purchases during 2007.

Recently topping the UK’s corporate brands list, according to the Guardian newspaper, Google had been widely tipped to overtake ITV1 in terms of ad revenue during 2007:

“[The search engine company's revenues also rose far less last year than in 2006…]

But year-on-year growth of 45% in 2007 is still a dizzying achievement and even if Google fails to top ITV1 in 2007, it is certain to steam past the UK's leading commercial TV channel this year.”

ITV is set to unveil its full year profits next year, which is predicted to be in the region of $2.56 billion (compared to Google’s $2.53 billion).

If predictions ring true Google may have to wait just one more year before they overtake ITV.