Perplexity's $34.5 Billion Bid to Buy Google Chrome

The Bold Move: Perplexity's $34.5 Billion Bid for Google Chrome

On August 12, 2025, a significant development in the tech world captured global attention when Perplexity, an AI search startup, made an unexpected $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome. This unsolicited proposal was confirmed by Jesse Dwyer, Perplexity’s spokesperson, and reported by several major media outlets, including CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, and The Verge. The move has sparked widespread interest and speculation across the tech industry.

Background of the Offer

Perplexity’s bid comes at a time when Google is facing ongoing antitrust litigation. Last year, a landmark ruling found Google in violation of U.S. antitrust laws due to its search business practices. As part of the remedy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) proposed that Google divest its Chrome browser. The DOJ argues that this would reduce Google's control over a critical search access point, allowing rival search engines to compete more effectively. However, Google plans to appeal the ruling, calling the proposed sale of Chrome "unprecedented" and potentially harmful to consumers and security.

Perplexity: The Ambitious Startup

Founded nearly three years ago, Perplexity has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the AI search space. Its search tool uses AI models to analyze web content and provide curated answers with source links. In December 2022, Perplexity launched its AI search engine, and its latest valuation reached $18 billion following a $100 million funding round. Notably, Perplexity's offer for Chrome is nearly double its own valuation, showcasing its ambitious growth strategy.

Perplexity describes its bid as a "smart and opportunistic" move amid Google's regulatory scrutiny. If successful, Perplexity promises to maintain users' current browsing preferences, including keeping Google as the default search engine. Additionally, it pledges "availability and continuous support" for Chrome for 100 months and plans to invest $3 billion in Chromium, the open-source technology behind Chrome, over the next 24 months. Perplexity's commitment to the "open web" underpins its strategic offer.

Financial Backing and Market Value

Perplexity's bid is backed by several major investment funds that have agreed to finance the transaction fully. This financial support reflects confidence in Perplexity's vision and the potential value of acquiring Chrome. Google's parent company is valued at nearly $2.5 trillion, and Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimates Chrome's worth at least $50 billion. This suggests that while Perplexity's offer is substantial, it might still fall short of Chrome's true market value.

Previous High-Profile Offers

This isn't Perplexity's first attempt at a high-profile acquisition. Earlier this year, the company sought to purchase TikTok following a law requiring its sale by Chinese parent company ByteDance. However, that proposal has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Meta and Apple have engaged in discussions about acquiring Perplexity itself, highlighting the startup's growing influence and appeal in the tech sector.

Competition for Chrome

Perplexity isn't the only company eyeing Chrome. Both OpenAI and Yahoo have previously expressed interest in acquiring the browser. This competitive interest underscores Chrome's strategic importance in the tech ecosystem. As the situation develops, the potential acquisition of Chrome by Perplexity or another tech giant could significantly impact the browser market and the broader digital landscape.

Google's Response and Future Implications

As of now, Google has not responded to Perplexity's offer. The tech giant's decision will likely hinge on the outcome of its appeal against the DOJ's antitrust ruling. If Google ultimately decides to sell Chrome, it could reshape the competitive dynamics of the browser market. For Perplexity, acquiring Chrome would represent a monumental leap in its growth trajectory, positioning it as a formidable player in the tech industry.

The unfolding story of Perplexity's bid for Google Chrome is a testament to the dynamic nature of the tech industry. As regulatory pressures mount and competition intensifies, companies like Perplexity are seizing opportunities to redefine the digital landscape. Whether this bold move will succeed remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of the tech world.