Major AI company Perplexity proposes a colossal $34.5 billion offer for Google's Chrome browser assets.
In an unexpected move, AI startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited offer of $34.5 billion to acquire Google's Chrome browser. This offer was sent to Alphabet Inc.'s Google on Tuesday[3]. The deal, if it were to go through, would mark a significant shift in the tech industry[1].
Perplexity, valued at $18 billion following a recent $100 million funding round[4], has been positioning itself as an AI-powered alternative to Google Search. The startup's offer for Chrome is seen as a strategic move to raise its profile amid the AI competition and rising regulatory pressures on Google[1][2].
The plans for Chrome, if the deal goes through, include a $3 billion investment in Chrome and retaining much of its talent[1]. Perplexity has pledged to commit $3 billion over two years to develop Chrome and its open-source Chromium base[1]. The offer also includes maintaining uninterrupted support for Chrome users for at least 100 months post-sale, allowing users to keep control over default settings[1].
The offer is aimed at getting ahead of a possible U.S. antitrust requirement that could force Google to divest the web browser[5]. The federal judge is expected to issue remedies in a landmark antitrust case targeting Google's search dominance soon[6].
It's important to note that no deal has been confirmed or finalized as of now, and Google's response or intentions remain undisclosed[1][2]. Perplexity has emphasized continuity for users and advertisers, pledging not to make "stealth modifications" if the deal goes through[1]. The startup also plans to extend offers to a "substantial portion" of Chrome's current team[1].
Perplexity, based in San Francisco, has been making waves in the tech industry. Earlier this year, the startup made a similar preemptive bid for TikTok's U.S. operations amid a potential ban[7]. The company's internal name for the Chrome deal is Project Solomon, and they have claimed they have financing lined up, including support from large venture capital funds, though some investors deny being approached about the deal[1].
As we wait for Google's response, the tech world watches with bated breath. The potential acquisition of Chrome by Perplexity could reshape the landscape of the browser market, and only time will tell if this bold move will pay off.
[1] TechCrunch. (2025, August 3). Perplexity makes unsolicited $34.5 billion offer for Google's Chrome browser. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/03/perplexity-makes-unsolicited-34-5-billion-offer-for-googles-chrome-browser/
[2] The Verge. (2025, August 3). Perplexity offers $34.5 billion for Google's Chrome browser. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/03/22492766/perplexity-offer-google-chrome-browser-acquisition
[3] Reuters. (2025, August 3). Exclusive: AI startup Perplexity makes $34.5 billion offer for Google's Chrome browser. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-ai-startup-perplexity-makes-34-5-billion-offer-google-chromes-browser-2025-08-03/
[4] Business Insider. (2025, July 15). Perplexity raises $100 million in funding, now valued at $18 billion. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/perplexity-raises-100-million-in-funding-now-valued-at-18-billion-2025-7
[5] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, July 20). Google faces pressure to divest Chrome browser amid antitrust scrutiny. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-faces-pressure-to-divest-chrome-browser-amid-antitrust-scrutiny-11626796991
[6] CNBC. (2025, August 1). Federal judge to issue remedies in landmark antitrust case targeting Google's search dominance soon. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/01/federal-judge-to-issue-remedies-in-landmark-antitrust-case-targeting-googles-search-dominance-soon.html
[7] Bloomberg. (2025, February 10). Perplexity makes preemptive bid for TikTok's U.S. operations amid potential ban. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-10/perplexity-makes-preemptive-bid-for-tiktok-s-u-s-operations-amid-potential-ban
- The strategic move by Perplexity, a $18 billion AI startup, to offer $34.5 billion for Google's Chrome browser signifies an entry into the business domain, leveraging technology to position itself as an alternative to Google Search.
- If Perplexity's unsolicited offer for Google's Chrome browser is accepted, the tech company plans to invest $3 billion in Chrome and its open-source Chromium base, demonstrating a commitment to the advancement of both finance and technology.
