Artificial intelligence company Perplexity proposes a staggering $34.5 billion acquisition of Google's Chrome browser.
In an unexpected turn of events, Perplexity AI has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google's Chrome web browser. However, it's important to note that Google's Chrome remains under Google's control, and no sale has occurred or been officially agreed upon.
The timing of Perplexity AI's offer coincides with ongoing federal court considerations related to a landmark antitrust ruling against Google, which may require Google to divest Chrome. The Justice Department is seeking to force Google to divest Chrome as a proposed remedy after Google lost the U.S. government's antitrust case charging it with a monopoly on search.
The bid, which far exceeds Perplexity AI's own valuation of $18 billion, is seen by many industry experts as either a bold strategic move or primarily a publicity stunt rather than a likely purchase. The details of the potential transaction between Perplexity AI and Google, including whether it will be completed, are not yet clear.
Perplexity AI's own AI-powered browser, Comet, launched recently, positioning them as a rising competitor. The bid appears designed to generate media attention and establish Perplexity as a serious contender against Google. The identity of the large venture-capital funds that have agreed to back the transaction remains unknown.
Google has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the bid for Chrome. The judge in the antitrust case against Google is expected to rule on remedies in the case as soon as this month.
Meanwhile, Perplexity AI is embroiled in a separate legal battle. The federal lawsuit against Perplexity was filed by News Corp-owned Dow Jones & Co. and the New York Post in October 2024, alleging illegal copying of publishers' copyrighted works. Perplexity AI has stated that it is "disappointed and surprised" about the lawsuit, and the case is ongoing.
The potential acquisition of Google's Chrome by Perplexity AI could have significant implications for the tech industry and the browser market. As the situation develops, industry watchers will be closely monitoring the situation to see how it unfolds.
- The potential acquisition of Google's Chrome by Perplexity AI could significantly alter the tech industry's financial landscape, as the bid far exceeds Perplexity AI's own valuation.
- The bid by Perplexity AI for Google's Chrome, amidst ongoing antitrust considerations and a separate legal battle, underscores the company's ambition to make a mark in the technology business.
