Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Gambit: A Play for Chrome Amid Google’s Antitrust Woes

In a strategic and audacious move, AI startup Perplexity has launched a $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. This offer capitalizes on the ongoing antitrust proceedings against Google in the U.S., where a federal judge has already ruled that the company has an illegal monopoly on internet search. The government has proposed remedies that include the potential forced sale of Chrome.
Perplexity’s bid, which was sent to Google on a Tuesday morning, is an aggressive play to preempt a forced sale and secure a crucial piece of internet infrastructure. The startup is competing with rival OpenAI, which has also expressed interest in the browser. Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, stated that the company has secured full financing for the deal from “multiple large investment funds,” even as its own valuation stands at a much lower $18 billion.
The company is addressing user and regulatory concerns by promising to maintain the browser’s continuity and not introduce “stealth modifications.” The offer is structured to not include any equity in Perplexity, further attempting to ease antitrust worries. Web browsers have become a focal point for AI companies aiming to develop AI agents capable of performing complex tasks like online shopping.
This isn’t the first time Perplexity has sought to acquire a major online platform facing regulatory scrutiny. The company previously made a bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations when it was facing a potential ban. If successful, Perplexity has committed to investing $3 billion into Chrome and Chromium over the next two years and retaining a significant portion of its existing team.