In a move that has surprised both the tech and investment worlds, artificial intelligence company Perplexity has reportedly made a $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, according to the Wall Street Journal. The proposal, while described as a “longshot,” comes at a time when Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is facing mounting antitrust pressure.
The idea may seem audacious especially given that Perplexity’s own valuation stands at roughly $18 billion but it reflects a very real challenge for Google: a U.S. judge is currently weighing whether the tech giant should be forced to divest Chrome as part of an antitrust remedy.
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Perplexity’s Proposal and Funding Sources
Perplexity told the Wall Street Journal that it already has major investors lined up to finance the deal, including well-established venture capital firms. According to the report, the offer was “designed to satisfy an antitrust remedy in the highest public interest by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator.”
While such a move would make Perplexity a serious player in the browser market, Alphabet, under the leadership of CEO Sundar Pichai, has consistently resisted any calls to sell Chrome.
The Context: Antitrust Pressures on Google
The potential sale comes in the wake of years-long legal battles. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) first sued Google in 2020, accusing the company of engaging in monopolistic behavior to maintain dominance in the search and browser markets.
In 2024, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google did, in fact, operate as a monopoly. In his decision, Mehta stated:
“Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.”
The current question before the court is not whether Google is a monopoly—that’s already been decided—but what the legal remedy should be. One potential outcome could be the forced divestiture of Chrome, a browser used by more than 3.5 billion people worldwide.
The Scale of Chrome’s Dominance
Chrome’s reach is staggering. With an estimated 3.5 billion users, it holds one of the largest market shares of any software product in history. To put it in perspective, nearly 43% of the world’s population uses Chrome.
This market penetration is exactly what has drawn scrutiny from regulators in both the United States and Europe. Critics argue that Google’s dominance in search, advertising, and browsing creates an ecosystem where competitors are effectively shut out.
Other Companies’ Interest in Chrome
While Perplexity’s bid has grabbed headlines, it’s not the first time a major player has expressed interest in Chrome. OpenAI and other tech firms have previously floated similar ideas, though none have made a public, concrete offer of this scale.
So far, neither Google nor Perplexity has responded to requests for comment from Gizmodo and other media outlets.
Perplexity’s Own Browser: Comet
The bid for Chrome is particularly interesting given that Perplexity has only recently launched its own browser, Comet. Unlike traditional browsers, Comet integrates generative AI more deeply into the browsing experience, aiming to offer more conversational, predictive, and context-aware interactions.
However, there’s debate within the AI community about whether browsers will even remain relevant in the coming decade. Some futurists predict that traditional web browsers could fade away entirely, replaced by immersive AI-driven interfaces. On the other hand, skeptics point out that AI systems still struggle with accuracy, especially when tackling complex queries.
The Broader Legal Landscape
Google’s legal troubles extend beyond the United States. In recent years, the company has faced multiple lawsuits and fines from European regulators over anticompetitive practices. In 2023, the DOJ accused Google of engaging in “anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct”, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stating that these cases were about “protecting consumers and safeguarding competition.”
The Chrome divestiture conversation is part of a larger debate over how to curb the influence of Big Tech without stifling innovation. Breaking up products like Chrome would be one of the most aggressive antitrust remedies in recent history.
What Happens Next?
Judge Mehta is expected to announce a remedy decision sometime this month. While it’s unclear whether he will mandate a sale of Chrome, Perplexity’s public offer ensures the proposal will be on the court’s radar.
If the judge does order Alphabet to divest Chrome, it could set off a fierce bidding war among tech companies, venture capital groups, and even AI startups eager to acquire one of the most widely used digital platforms in the world.
Why This Matters for the Tech Industry
The outcome of this case and whether Perplexity’s offer gains traction could have wide-ranging implications for how digital markets operate.
- For Google – Losing Chrome would mean relinquishing one of its key tools for steering users toward its search engine and ad ecosystem.
- For Perplexity – Acquiring Chrome would instantly catapult the company into the homes, offices, and mobile devices of billions of people, giving it unmatched distribution for its AI technologies.
- For Consumers – A new owner could reshape how Chrome works, potentially increasing privacy protections or changing integration with search engines.
The Odds of the Deal Going Through
While intriguing, the deal faces several challenges:
- Valuation Gap: Perplexity’s worth is roughly half of the proposed purchase price. Even with outside investors, securing the capital and convincing regulators will be no small feat.
- Google’s Resistance: Alphabet has historically fought tooth and nail to keep its core products. Selling Chrome would be a significant strategic loss.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Any sale would need approval from both U.S. and possibly international regulators, adding months or even years to the process.
Given these factors, it’s no surprise the Wall Street Journal labeled the offer a “longshot.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Perplexity?
Perplexity is an artificial intelligence company known for developing advanced AI-driven tools and, more recently, launching its own browser called Comet. It focuses on integrating generative AI into everyday user experiences.
How much is Perplexity offering for Google Chrome?
Perplexity has reportedly offered $34.5 billion to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Why would Google sell Chrome?
Google is facing antitrust scrutiny in the United States and abroad. A U.S. judge may require Alphabet, Google’s parent company, to divest Chrome as part of a legal remedy for monopolistic practices.
How many people use Google Chrome?
Chrome has an estimated 3.5 billion users worldwide, making it one of the most widely used software products in history.
Can Perplexity afford to buy Chrome?
Perplexity is valued at about $18 billion, but it claims to have commitments from major venture capital investors to finance the acquisition.
Has Google responded to the offer?
As of now, neither Google nor Perplexity has issued an official public response regarding the offer.
Conclusion
Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome is bold, ambitious, and perhaps improbable. Yet it reflects the shifting tides in the tech industry, where AI companies are becoming increasingly assertive in shaping the future of the internet.
With a U.S. court poised to decide on remedies for Google’s monopoly status, the next few weeks could prove pivotal.