Perplexity AI Wants to Buy Google’s Chrome Browser for $34.5 Billion
Perplexity AI has made waves in the tech world with an unexpected all-cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion.
The ambitious proposal, far exceeding the startup’s own $14 billion valuation, aims to give Perplexity access to Chrome’s estimated three billion global users.
Founded just three years ago and led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity has become known for attention-grabbing acquisition attempts. Earlier this year, it pitched a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations in an effort to address American concerns about the app’s Chinese ownership.
A Strategic Move in the AI Search Race
Acquiring Chrome would hand Perplexity a powerful gateway into the AI-driven search market at a time when Google faces increasing regulatory pressure. The U.S. Department of Justice is pushing for remedies in a major antitrust case, including a potential Chrome divestiture, after a court ruled Google maintained an illegal monopoly in search. Google, which has not signaled any willingness to sell, is appealing the ruling.
Perplexity has already developed its own AI-powered browser, Comet, capable of completing tasks on users’ behalf. However, adding Chrome to its portfolio would dramatically expand its reach and ability to challenge competitors such as OpenAI, which is reportedly developing its own AI-integrated browser.
Funding the Bid
The AI startup has so far raised around $1 billion from backers including Nvidia and SoftBank. While it has not disclosed how it would finance the offer, sources say several funds have indicated a willingness to cover the entire cost. Perplexity’s proposal promises to keep Chrome’s Chromium code open-source, invest $3 billion over the next two years, and retain Google Search as the default search engine.
Analyst Reactions and Rival Interest
Market watchers are skeptical that Google will part with Chrome voluntarily, given the browser’s central role in its AI strategy, which includes rolling out new features like AI-generated “Overviews” in search results. Even if regulators press for a sale, industry experts estimate the browser could fetch $50 billion or more, well above Perplexity’s bid.
Perplexity isn’t the only suitor. Reports suggest that OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management have all shown interest in acquiring Chrome should it become available.
A ruling on possible remedies in the Google search antitrust case is expected later this month, potentially determining whether Chrome will ever hit the open market.
Source: WSJ
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