In a stunning turn of events, AI startup Perplexity has offered $34.5 billion to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. This bold, unsolicited bid puts Google in a difficult position as it navigates a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit. The U.S. government has suggested that one of the potential remedies for Google’s alleged search monopoly could be the divestiture of Chrome.
Perplexity’s offer is a strategic preemption of a potential forced sale, a situation that has also attracted rival OpenAI. The startup plans to fund the massive acquisition through outside investors, with its Chief Business Officer confirming that “multiple large investment funds” have agreed to finance the transaction fully. This revelation addresses the skepticism surrounding the company’s ability to afford the deal, given its most recent valuation of $18 billion.
The company is attempting to win over both users and regulators. To users, Perplexity has promised no “stealth modifications,” assuring a commitment to continuity. 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.
