AI startup Perplexity has launched a bold $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. The timing of the offer is critical, as it coincides with a high-stakes U.S. antitrust case against Google. The U.S. government has proposed that one of the remedies for Google’s illegal search monopoly could be the forced sale of Chrome.
The unsolicited bid places Perplexity in a direct contest with rival OpenAI, which has also expressed interest in the browser. Despite skepticism about its ability to finance the massive deal, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer has stated that “multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.” This addresses the skepticism surrounding the company’s $18 billion valuation.
Perplexity is attempting to win over both users and regulators. To users, it has promised a “commitment to continuity,” vowing not to make any “stealth modifications.” To regulators, it has structured the deal to exclude any equity in Perplexity, hoping to head off further antitrust concerns. Google, so far, has remained silent on the offer.
This acquisition is a key part of Perplexity’s broader strategy. The company is not new to seeking out major online properties facing regulatory pressure, having previously made an offer to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. For AI companies, web browsers are becoming increasingly valuable as they serve as a platform for deploying AI agents that can perform tasks like online shopping. If the deal is approved, Perplexity has promised a significant investment of $3 billion over two years into Chrome and Chromium.