In a move that stunned the tech world, AI startup Perplexity has submitted an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, setting the stage for a potential seismic shift in digital browsing and search competition.
Why Chrome?
With over three billion users worldwide, Chrome serves as the primary gateway to the internet—and is central to Google’s dominance in search and advertising. Acquire Chrome, and you acquire a global audience
This bid comes amid surging U.S. antitrust pressure on Google. A federal court has already ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly in search, and regulators are considering remedies, including mandating the sale of assets such as Chrome.
Perplexity’s Game Plan
Despite being valued at only $14–18 billion, Perplexity signaled confidence it can pull it off—claiming that several major investment funds have agreed to finance the entire deal.
The pitch isn’t just about big money. Perplexity promises to:
- Keep Chrome’s Chromium code open-source
- Maintain Google as the default search provider
- Invest $3 billion over two years into Chrome and its workforce .
A Pattern of Boldness
Perplexity isn’t new to headline-grabbing bids. Earlier this year, it made a similarly bold offer to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations in response to regulatory crackdowns on the Chinese-owned app. Its willingness to make such bold plays underscores a strategy: capture market attention and position itself as a legitimate contender in the AI-search ecosystem.
Google’s Response — and What’s Next
So far, Google has not responded publicly. However, insiders suggest skepticism—after all, Chrome is deeply integrated with Google’s overall business and AI strategy. And analysts predict a prolonged legal battle is looming if this remedy moves forward
Judge Amit Mehta, overseeing the antitrust case, may delay any forced divestiture until the appeals process plays out, a process that could stretch for year. Meanwhile, rivals like OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management have reportedly also shown interest in Chrome if it becomes available
