Tech giant Google has been presented with a puzzling acquisition proposal for its browser, Chrome.
In an unexpected turn of events, AI startup Perplexity has made a landmark offer to purchase Google Chrome for a staggering $34.5 billion. This all-cash bid, confirmed by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, comes amid ongoing antitrust litigation against Google, where a judge is considering forcing the sale of the browser.
Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine company with a strong focus on integrating generative AI chatbot features and real-time information retrieval. The company's rapid growth and valuation surge—reaching $14 billion after a $500 million funding round in June 2025—reflect its ambitious plans to expand its influence in search and related technology spaces.
The offer to acquire Google Chrome aligns with Perplexity's strategic goals, aiming to potentially settle disputes by acquiring the browser rather than Google being compelled to sell it involuntarily. This move is seen as a remedy to regulatory challenges faced by Google, particularly regarding Chrome's dominant position in web browsers.
Interestingly, Perplexity is not alone in expressing interest in Google Chrome. OpenAI and Yahoo have also shown interest in the browser giant. However, Google has yet to confirm any discussions regarding the sale of Chrome.
Perplexity has pledged to invest $3 billion over two years into Chromium, the open-source project behind Google Chrome, if the offer is accepted. Notably, the startup has stated that it will not make changes to the default search engine in Google Chrome, ensuring continuity for its users.
This offer comes at a crucial juncture in the antitrust trial for Google, which is nearing its conclusion. While the trial's outcome remains uncertain, the $34.5 billion offer from Perplexity adds a new dimension to the ongoing saga.
Meanwhile, Perplexity continues to make waves in the tech world. The company has been added to the most recent Motorola Razr flip phones as an AI option, and it has been rumoured to be a potential acquisition target for Apple. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook has not yet made an official confirmation of Apple's interest in Perplexity.
As the dust settles on this unprecedented offer, the future of Google Chrome and its role in the tech landscape remains uncertain. One thing is clear: Perplexity's bold move reflects its ambition and rapid growth in the AI and search engine market.
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