Perplexity Offers $34.5B to Acquire Google's Chrome Browser

Perplexity offers $34.5B to buy Google's Chrome browser to satisfy an antitrust remedy. Microsoft is targeting Meta employees in the AI talent war, offering multimillion-dollar bonuses to top talent. Tesla's Elon Musk claims Apple is violating antitrust laws, and C3 AI's revenue estimates come in lower than forecasts, leading to a downgrade from Northland analyst Michael Latimore. Nuvini Group launches the NuviniAI Prize to accelerate AI innovation in Brazil's B2B software ecosystem.

In a significant move to address ongoing antitrust concerns, AI startup Perplexity has offered to purchase Google's Chrome browser for $34.5 billion [1]. The offer, nearly double Perplexity's estimated $18 billion valuation, is aimed at satisfying an antitrust remedy by moving Chrome to an independent operator. The proposal includes retaining Google as Chrome's default search engine while allowing users to change it, according to reports [1]. Alphabet and Perplexity have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Microsoft (MSFT) continues to make strides in the AI sector. DA Davidson analyst Gil Luria reiterated a Buy rating and $650.00 price target on the stock, citing the significance of Microsoft's relationship with OpenAI and the recent release of GPT-OSS [2]. Luria highlighted the material acceleration of Azure OpenAI Services, which is driving gains for Azure and other AI services on the platform.

In a separate development, Tesla's Elon Musk has accused Apple (AAPL) of violating antitrust laws by not prominently featuring his AI apps, X and Grok, on the App Store [3]. Musk claims that Apple's policies favor OpenAI and certain other apps, and he has threatened legal action against the company.

Lastly, C3 AI's revenue estimates came in lower than forecasts, leading to a downgrade from Northland analyst Michael Latimore [3]. Additionally, Nuvini Group has launched the NuviniAI Prize to accelerate AI innovation in Brazil's B2B software ecosystem [3].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/market-chatter-alphabet-apos-google-164212690.html
[2] https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-msft-gets-650-target-200552532.html
[3] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/elon-musk-goes-after-apple-for-not-featuring-x-grok-prominently-on-app-store-are-you-playing-politics/chrDoeBRdeA