Why Google Must Buy Twitter

(Updated to provide more information about Facebook on fifth page and updated Google share price).

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -Google(GOOG) is losing the social networking war, and Facebook's imminent IPO has placed even more pressure on the Internet giant. Acquiring Twitter, though, could help turn the tide in Google's favor, say experts.

Google has roughly 60% of its $44.6 billion in cash and cash-equivalents in the United States, so a purchase, no-matter how expensive, could get done.

The Internet giant reportedly tried to buy Twitter in early 2011, supposedly offering $10 billion, only to have the offer rebuffed. Twitter prefers to remain independent and may eventually go public, though that seems a while off.

Twitter supposedly has been able to grow its revenues drastically, but some question whether it makes sense for the micro-blogging giant to remain a standalone company, or be part of something bigger to reach a much broader audience.

Here are four reasons why Google would be wise to buy Twitter.