Google's Chrome web browser to be purchased by Perplexity AI for a staggering $34.5 billion - Giant Corporation, Perplexity AI, intends to acquire Google's Chrome Internet Browser in a massive $34.5 billion deal.
In a surprising turn of events, Perplexity AI has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Google Chrome for a staggering $34.5 billion. This offer, made public in August 2025, is non-binding and framed as an asset sale aimed at satisfying potential antitrust remedies related to Google’s dominance in the online search and browser markets.
The implications for antitrust regulations are significant. Google, currently facing antitrust scrutiny, may be forced to divest Chrome to reduce its monopoly power. If compelled to sell, Chrome could attract multiple buyers, including Perplexity, which aims to maintain user choice and continuity of service while investing heavily in the browser’s future development.
However, the offer's seriousness is a subject of debate among experts. Given Perplexity's own valuation at $18 billion and limited capital raised, the $34.5 billion bid exceeds Perplexity's market value by a large margin. Many analysts interpret the bid as a strategic publicity stunt designed to raise Perplexity's profile in the AI and search markets, position it as a serious challenger to Google, and highlight evolving competitive dynamics rather than a straightforward acquisition proposal.
If Google were forced to sell Chrome, it could break Google’s tight control over the primary user gateway to the web, potentially reducing Google’s monopolistic leverage in search and advertising. A new owner might introduce alternative search defaults and policies that promote competition, which courts and regulators might consider a remedial outcome to longstanding antitrust concerns.
However, the outcome highly depends on judicial decisions and negotiations, and Perplexity’s bid itself does not guarantee a transaction or regulatory approval. It's worth noting that the management of Perplexity is confident of raising the required amount, and several large investment funds have shown interest in financing the acquisition.
In a statement, Jesse Dwyer, communications chief of Perplexity AI, stated that "We believe we are the best guardians for Chrome". The AFP and WSJ have been inquiring about the takeover offer from Perplexity AI regarding Google Chrome, but Google has yet to respond to an AFP inquiry about the offer.
In summary, while Perplexity AI has officially made a large-scale offer for Google Chrome, it serves multiple strategic purposes amid ongoing antitrust challenges to Google’s online dominance. It remains uncertain whether it will result in an actual transaction or significant market changes.
Summary:
- Offer by Perplexity AI: $34.5 billion for Google Chrome, unsolicited, non-binding, August 2025
- Purpose: Positioned as a remedy for antitrust concerns; also a marketing move by Perplexity
- Financing: Perplexity valued at $18B; claim of investor backing but no detailed disclosures
- Expert opinions: Seen largely as a strategic PR stunt rather than a surefire acquisition
- Antitrust implications: Potential to break Google’s monopoly in browsers/search if courts force divestiture; could increase competition
- Probability of deal: Low currently; contingent on legal rulings and Google’s willingness to sell
The unsolicited offer by Perplexity AI for Google Chrome, valued at $34.5 billion in August 2025, serves multiple strategic purposes in the context of ongoing antitrust challenges to Google's online dominance. This offer is perceived by experts as a marketing move by Perplexity to raise its profile in finance, business, and technology, while also potentially addressing antitrust concerns. However, the deal's likelihood depends on legal rulings and Google's willingness to sell, as Perplexity's claims of having sufficient financing have not yet been met with detailed disclosures.