Tech giant Google eyes multibillion-dollar acquisition of web browser Chrome for $34.5 billion.
In early August 2025, AI startup Perplexity made headlines with a $34.5 billion offer to buy Google's Chrome browser. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources, came shortly after a federal antitrust ruling that may force Google to divest Chrome. However, as of August 21, 2025, there have been no more recent updates regarding the offer.
The bid, which is nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation of $18 billion, has raised questions about financial feasibility. The offer's term sheet is non-binding and is framed to meet potential antitrust remedy conditions, with Perplexity pledging to maintain Chrome’s availability and invest $3 billion over two years to support it.
Industry observers, analysts, and investors widely interpret the bid as a marketing or positioning stunt to raise Perplexity’s profile and demonstrate ambition in competing with Google, especially in the AI-enhanced browser market with Perplexity’s own Comet browser. The acquisition, if successful, would be one of the largest tech acquisitions in history.
Experts believe Chrome’s true value could exceed $50 billion, meaning Perplexity’s bid may undervalue the asset. The CEO of Perplexity AI, Aravind Srinivas, is positioning the company to challenge established players by integrating AI deeply into browsing and search experiences, as exemplified by Comet’s AI assistant features.
However, the antitrust investigation against Alphabet, Google's parent company, could potentially impact the success of Perplexity's offer. If the investigation results in a decision for Alphabet to divest some of its assets, including the browser Chrome, the acquisition may not proceed. The antitrust investigation adds a layer of uncertainty to the potential acquisition.
Alphabet has not publicly commented on the offer. The offer's success would depend on Alphabet's decision to accept or reject it. If accepted, the acquisition could lead to significant changes in the tech industry, particularly in the browser market. The antitrust investigation against Alphabet is a significant consideration for experts evaluating the prospects of the AI startup buying Chrome.
In summary, while the $34.5 billion bid for Chrome by Perplexity captured significant media attention, it has not progressed into a formal agreement or sale and is widely viewed as a strategic public relations move tied to ongoing antitrust developments involving Google. No newer developments have been reported as of August 21, 2025.
The bid by Perplexity, while raising questions about financial feasibility, is also seen as a marketing strategy to boost the company's profile and demonstrate ambition in the AI-enhanced business sector, particularly against Google's Chrome. If successful, the acquisition would significantly impact the technology industry, with potential antitrust investigations acting as a major factor in determining its outcome.
