Hajra Naz
Key Takeaways
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Perplexity’s $34.5B bid for Chrome could reshape the browser landscape.
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The offer comes amid Google’s antitrust battle and potential forced divestiture.
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Perplexity’s Comet AI browser shows the company’s ambition to merge personalization with AI-powered search.
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Heavy debate is expected over consumer choice, security, and innovation.
In a bold and unexpected move, AI-powered search startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser—a landmark bid from a rising Google Search challenger that’s aiming to redefine how people find information in the AI era.
Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer confirmed the offer to CNN. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news. The proposal comes at a critical time for Google. The company is waiting for a court decision in a DOJ antitrust case. The case found Google guilty of monopolistic practices in search.
Why the Timing Matters
In the wake of last year’s landmark antitrust ruling, the DOJ has floated a radical remedy: forcing Google to divest Chrome, its world-leading web browser with over 60% global market share. Google has vowed to appeal. It is called the proposal “unprecedented.” It warned that it could harm user experience and cybersecurity.
The sale is still uncertain. Perplexity’s move marks a new phase in the browser wars. AI-driven companies are now chasing key positions in the web ecosystem.
Perplexity’s Growing Ambitions
Founded less than three years ago, Perplexity AI has quickly positioned itself as a next-generation search platform. Using advanced large language models and real-time web parsing, it delivers summarized, source-linked answers instead of traditional lists of blue links.
The company debuted its flagship AI search engine in December 2022, directly competing with Google, Bing, and other legacy search products. In July 2025, Perplexity launched Comet, its AI-powered browser that integrates personal calendars, open tabs, and even social media feeds—offering what it calls “connected browsing intelligence.”
Read More: Which AI Chatbot is the Winner: ChatGPT Plus or Perplexity?
The Chrome Acquisition Pitch
If Perplexity’s bid succeeds, the startup says it will:
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Preserve current user settings, including Google as the default search engine.
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Guarantee 100 months of Chrome support and availability.
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Invest $3 billion into Chromium, the open-source browser technology used by Google, Microsoft Edge, Brave, and others.
Perplexity frames the move as part of its commitment to the open web, resisting walled gardens and emphasizing cross-platform innovation.
David vs. Goliath—By the Numbers
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Perplexity’s valuation: $18 billion (after a $100M funding round, per Bloomberg).
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Chrome’s estimated value: At least $50 billion, according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.
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Google’s market cap: Nearly $2.5 trillion.
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Perplexity’s offer: Nearly double its valuation, backed by major venture capital investors.
“This is all a game of high-stakes poker,” Ives told CNN. “Perplexity timed this move perfectly, given regulatory pressure on Google.”
Past & Potential Deals
Perplexity’s Chrome bid isn’t its first high-profile acquisition attempt. Earlier this year, it offered to buy TikTok after U.S. legislation required its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a nationwide ban.
In another twist, Meta and Apple have reportedly explored buying Perplexity itself—though no formal agreements have materialized. Meanwhile, reports from Reuters suggest OpenAI is developing its web browser, signaling an industry-wide shift where AI companies want to control both search and browsing experiences.
FAQs on Perplexity’s Bid for Google Chrome
1. Why is Perplexity interested in buying Chrome?
Perplexity views Chrome as a key gateway to the web. It wants to integrate its AI-powered search directly into the browser. Chrome is the most widely used browser in the world. Perplexity also aims to promote open web standards.
2. Is Google legally required to sell Chrome?
Not yet. The DOJ has suggested selling Chrome as a fix for antitrust violations. Google is appealing the decision. The case could take years to settle.
3. How would this deal affect Chrome users?
Perplexity has promised to maintain current settings (including Google Search defaults) and provide long-term support, while investing heavily in Chromium innovation.
4. Could other AI companies make similar offers?
Yes. AI-driven search is becoming a key battleground. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are watching closely. They may target browsers, search engines, and web infrastructure.
5. What are the risks of this acquisition?
Challenges include getting regulatory approval. There are also concerns about user trust. Integration could be complex. Google may resist the move. It sees Chrome as vital to its ad and search ecosystem.
