AI startup Perplexity AI has put forward an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, anticipating potential regulatory requirements arising from the search giant’s ongoing antitrust case in the U.S.
The bid, submitted Tuesday morning (12), comes at a moment of uncertainty for Google, following a court ruling that identified the company’s monopoly in the search market as illegal. The Department of Justice has defended the sale of Chrome as a means to foster competition.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Perplexity is valued at roughly $18 billion—significantly lower than the amount proposed in the offer. The startup said major investment funds have pledged to fully finance the deal independently of Perplexity’s own equity stake to mitigate antitrust concerns.
Google, controlled by Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), has not indicated any intention to sell Chrome and plans to appeal the court ruling. Analysts note that the company is unlikely to part with the browser, which remains a critical component of its search and digital advertising operations, as well as a key platform for AI integration.
Perplexity recently launched its own AI-driven browser, Comet, but views Chrome as a strategic opportunity to expand its footprint and compete with players like OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management, all of which have shown interest in the browser.
If the acquisition moves forward, Perplexity plans to invest $3 billion over two years into Chrome and the open-source Chromium project, preserving the default search engine and ensuring user choice, with the goal of maintaining the browser’s existing framework.
The startup has a history of bold negotiations, including a previous attempt to merge with TikTok in the U.S. to bypass government-imposed restrictions.
There is no word yet from Google regarding the offer. Judge Amit Mehta’s forthcoming decision on the antitrust measures is expected to shape the browser’s future, which currently serves more than three billion active users worldwide.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.