Perplexity Bids $34.5 Billion for Google Chrome in Antitrust Move

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity has submitted a $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, in a move that could reshape the ongoing antitrust litigation against Alphabet Inc. The proposal, significantly exceeding Perplexity’s own valuation of $18 billion, is supported by major venture capital firms and is framed as a proactive solution to antitrust concerns raised by U.S. regulators [1]. The offer is unsolicited and has no immediate response from Alphabet, which has not indicated a willingness to sell [4].

The timing of the bid is strategic, coming just ahead of a federal court decision on potential remedies for Alphabet’s alleged search market monopoly. Judge Amit Mehta, overseeing the case, previously ruled that Google had unlawfully maintained its dominance through anticompetitive practices. While a decision on remedies is pending, Perplexity’s offer aligns with one potential solution suggested by the U.S. Department of Justice: the divestiture of Chrome [2]. In a letter to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Perplexity emphasized that the acquisition would address antitrust issues by transferring Chrome to an independent, well-funded operator [3].

Perplexity has pledged to continue supporting Chromium, the open-source foundation of Chrome, and to maintain Google as the default search engine. The company also plans to allocate $3 billion over two years for browser development, with the goal of integrating AI-driven features and enhancing user experience. The AI startup, founded in 2022, has built a reputation through its conversational search platform, which delivers summarized responses rather than traditional search results [6].

Despite the ambitious nature of the offer, industry analysts remain skeptical about its likelihood of success. Google has previously warned that a forced sale or data transfer could harm innovation and introduce security risks. Chrome, with 3.5 billion users and over 60% global browser market share, is central to Alphabet’s business, and the company has not shown any interest in relinquishing control [3].

However, Perplexity’s proposal introduces a novel approach to regulatory intervention. Rather than waiting for a court-ordered remedy, the AI company is offering a voluntary solution—one that preserves Chrome’s existing functionalities while positioning itself as a new player in the digital infrastructure space [5]. The move underscores a growing recognition that browser control is a pivotal element in shaping internet access and user behavior.

While Perplexity is not the first to express interest in Chrome—OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo Global Management have reportedly considered bids—its offer stands out for its scale and alignment with antitrust objectives [9]. The outcome of the DOJ case, expected soon, will determine whether such bids are even relevant. For now, the proposal has intensified the debate over how AI is influencing digital ecosystems and regulatory strategies.

The offer also highlights the increasing role of AI startups in challenging established tech giants. Perplexity’s founder, Aravind Srinivas, brings a background in both AI research and browser development, having previously worked at OpenAI and Google. His new venture aims to redefine how users interact with the web, using AI to enhance search, browsing, and information consumption [6].

Industry observers argue that whoever controls the browser holds a powerful position in digital markets. “Whoever owns the gateway to the web holds immense influence over how information is accessed, prioritized, and trusted,” said Alon Yamin, CEO of AI-based content verification platform Copyleaks [8]. Perplexity’s bid reflects this understanding, positioning Chrome not just as a browser, but as a strategic asset in the evolving AI landscape.

Source:

[1] Perplexity Makes Longshot $34.5 Billion Offer for Chrome. The Wall Street Journal, https://www.wsj.com/tech/perplexity-ai-google-chrome-offer-5ddb7a22

[2] Perplexity Offers $34.5B Cash for Google Chrome as DOJ ... The AI Insider, https://theaiinsider.tech/2025/08/13/perplexity-offers-34-5b-cash-for-google-chrome-as-doj-antitrust-case-continues/

[3] Perplexity AI Bids $34.5 Billion for Google Chrome Browser. Observer, https://observer.com/2025/08/perplexity-ai-bids-google-chrome-browser/

[4] A.I. Start-Up Perplexity Offers to Buy Google's Chrome. The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/technology/perplexity-google-chrome-bid.html

[5] Perplexity AI makes wild $34.5B all-cash offer for Google ... New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/08/12/business/perplexity-ai-makes-34-5b-all-cash-offer-for-google-chrome-browser/