AI startup Perplexity has launched a $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, a strategic move that aims to capitalize on Google’s ongoing antitrust troubles. A US federal judge previously found Google to have an illegal monopoly, and the US government has proposed remedies that include the potential forced sale of Chrome.
The unsolicited bid positions Perplexity against rival OpenAI, which has also expressed interest in the browser. While questions have been raised about Perplexity’s financial capacity to complete the deal, given its $18 billion valuation, the company’s Chief Business Officer has asserted that “multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.”
Perplexity is seeking to reassure both users and regulators. It has pledged to maintain the browser’s continuity and not introduce “stealth modifications,” a commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for users. The offer also does not include any equity in Perplexity, a detail meant to preemptively address any antitrust concerns related to the deal itself. Google has not yet commented on the offer.
The interest in web browsers from AI companies is driven by their desire to build AI agents that can perform tasks for users, such as online shopping. This is not the first time Perplexity has sought to acquire a major internet property under regulatory scrutiny; it previously bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. If the deal is approved, Perplexity has promised a significant investment of $3 billion over two years and to retain a substantial portion of Chrome’s existing workforce.
The Chrome Connection: Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Bid for Google’s Browser
