Google Setting its Sights on Twitter?

Industry observers believe that despite Google’s claim that it is “unlikely to buy anything (acquisition) in the short term partly because prices are still high”, there are a few good reasons for Google to acquire Twitter

• Twitter is fast becoming an important communications channel on the Internet.  It’s uptake rate surpasses many of its social media peers.
• An acquisition of Twitter will allow Google to tap into an estimated 4.5 million users (and growing!) and integrate its PPC program, Adwords.
• With the current economic situation, many companies are holding back on spending and the general lack of interest is causing Twitter’s valuation to drop.  Making it cheaper for Google to acquire it now.
• Most importantly, Twitter seems to be the frontrunner for social-based real time search.  An area where Google has been unable to make significant headway

If you can’t beat em, eat em up!