Tech giant Google has been offered a puzzling proposition to sell its browser, Chrome
In an unexpected turn of events, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has made a bold move by proposing an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google Chrome, the world's most popular web browser. This announcement, made on August 12, 2025, has sent ripples through the tech industry.
Valuation and Funding
Perplexity AI, valued at approximately $18 billion, is offering a bid nearly twice its own valuation. The company has managed to raise about $1.5 billion, including a recent $100 million funding round, and has secured backing from several investors to support the acquisition.
Market Positioning and Competitive Advantage
The acquisition of Chrome would grant Perplexity AI access to over three billion users, positioning it strongly in the AI search market. This move aligns with Perplexity's focus on AI-powered search and browsing. Owning Chrome would also provide Perplexity AI with a critical gateway to the internet, allowing the integration of its AI technologies directly into a widely used platform, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with information online.
Antitrust Context and Legal Implications
The bid comes as federal courts consider whether to force Google to divest Chrome due to antitrust concerns. Perplexity AI's offer is framed as an antitrust remedy, aiming to maintain Chrome's openness and user protection. However, industry experts believe Google is unlikely to sell Chrome, suggesting the bid might serve more as a strategic PR move than a serious acquisition attempt.
Impact on Perplexity AI and the Tech Industry
The bid has generated significant media attention, positioning Perplexity AI as a serious player in the AI landscape and potentially securing financial backing for future endeavors. Whether the bid is successful or not, it highlights the evolving role of AI in browsing and search, pushing the conversation forward on how AI will shape the internet experience.
Interestingly, Perplexity has pledged to keep Chromium open source and invest $3 billion over two years if the offer is accepted. The offer for Google Chrome stands at $34.5 billion, a significant amount that surpasses Perplexity's current valuation.
In a related development, Apple CEO Tim Cook has stated that Apple would consider buying any company that helps speed up its roadmap. Rumours suggest that Perplexity is one of the companies rumoured to be considered for acquisition by Apple, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
This unconventional bid for Google Chrome has certainly stirred up the tech industry, adding a new twist to the ongoing conversation about the role of AI in shaping the future of browsing and search.
