Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Buy Google's Chrome Browser

AI startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to buy Google's Chrome browser. The timing follows a US antitrust ruling that found Google holds an illegal monopoly in search and raised the possibility that Google could be forced to sell Chrome.

The offer stands out because it is larger than Perplexity's own reported valuation, so the company would need significant outside funding to complete a deal of this size. Google has not put Chrome up for sale.

Chrome is the most widely used web browser, with billions of users worldwide.

Why Perplexity Wants to Buy Chrome

The offer comes as Google faces antitrust pressure in the US. A court found Google holds an illegal monopoly in search, and one possible remedy is forcing the company to divest Chrome. This would separate the browser from Google's search and advertising business.

Perplexity's unsolicited bid seems timed to this situation. By making an offer now, the company positions itself as a potential buyer if a court orders Google to sell Chrome. Google has not agreed to sell and is expected to appeal parts of the ruling.

The $34.5 billion offer is higher than Perplexity's own reported valuation, raising questions about how the company would fund the deal. Perplexity would need substantial outside financing from investors or other backers to complete a purchase of this size.

The gap between the offer and Perplexity's valuation is notable, since the company is trying to buy an asset worth more than itself.

Chrome's Value and What Remains Unconfirmed

Chrome's reach gives its owner a direct connection to billions of users and a major entry point to the web. For an AI company like Perplexity, owning Chrome would offer a way to integrate its AI search products directly into the browsing experience for a large audience.

This strategic value is part of why Chrome is central to the antitrust case. The browser's default search settings have historically sent users to Google Search.

Google has not put Chrome up for sale and has not responded to Perplexity's offer. Whether Chrome is divested depends on the outcome of the antitrust process and any appeals, which are still ongoing.

It is also unclear if Perplexity could secure the financing for a $34.5 billion purchase, or if other, larger bidders would step in if Chrome were ever offered. For now, the offer is a positioning move rather than a confirmed deal.

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☞ El artículo completo original de Arthur Kay lo puedes ver aquí