Lets start with Apple… its obvious that they have enough cash to buy Twitter up whenever they want to, but would they pay up? If you were looking at their track record, you would say no. But, Steve Jobs is not in charge anymore. The times of no major acquisitions could be over if Twitter entices Tim Cook enough. Personally, I think Cook would be willing to make the move…he’s already introduced dividends, and Jobs was obviously not willing to do that during his time. So why would shelling out 5-10 billion be any different?!
Apple already has the iPad, iPhone and Macs to immediately implement Twitter if they decide to make the move. The way all of their devices are currently connected to each other is mind blowing, and if they could figure out a way to weave social media into their products, it could be the next jump Apple needs to take to separate them from competitors.
How does Google fit with Twitter? Well, they have already tried their own social media aspect, Google+, and that has not worked out for one second! I do not know anyone who ever signed up for it and who currently uses it. But, that is not the point, the point is, is that they have tried to get into that business, but failed. Who says that they still don’t want to get back into it? They certainty have the cash to buyout Twitter, but would they make that move? Sure, they acquired Motorola for billions and look at what they’ve done with them?! Nothing! That doesn’t say they don’t have plans for the long term with Motorola, but in the short run it doesn’t look that way. Twitter is no different in my eyes; they could acquire them for ‘X’ amount and sit on them for a little bit before they introduce how they will be used.
Currently, Apple makes the most sense to acquire Twitter, but Google is right behind in second place. Look for the acquisition later on in 2013….
Author: Peter Nitso
Twitter: @PeterNitso