Perplexity Makes Bold Offer for Google’s Chrome Amidst Antitrust Concerns
In a bold and unexpected move, AI search startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion in cash. This surprising bid comes as Google faces potential U.S. antitrust proceedings that could force the tech giant to divest its browser. Perplexity, whose own valuation is significantly lower than its offer, is attempting to gain direct access to Chrome’s billions of users to advance its position in the highly competitive AI search market.
The timing of the offer is particularly strategic, coinciding with ongoing pressure from the Department of Justice, which has expressed interest in compelling Google to sell the browser. While some industry analysts value Chrome at over $50 billion, Perplexity’s bid, spearheaded by CEO Aravind Srinivas, marks a new escalation in the AI race. Other major players, including OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management, have also expressed interest in acquiring the browser as regulatory scrutiny on Google intensifies.
