In a bold and unexpected move, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI worth $18 billion has submitted a $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, the world’s most widely used internet browser with over 3.5 billion users globally. The bid comes at a time when Google is under intense regulatory scrutiny and facing potential structural changes due to antitrust litigation.
Perplexity’s offer is not just a business maneuver, it’s a strategic response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s proposal that Google divest Chrome as part of remedies following a court ruling that found the tech giant guilty of illegally monopolizing the internet search market. The DOJ argues that Chrome serves as a critical gateway to search and advertising data, and its divestiture would level the playing field for competitors.
In its filing, the DOJ stated:
To remedy these harms, the [Initial Proposed Final Judgment] requires Google to divest Chrome, which will permanently stop Google’s control of this critical search access point and allow rival search engines the ability to access the browser that for many users is a gateway to the internet.
Perplexity, which launched its own AI-powered browser Comet last month, said the acquisition would reinforce its commitment to user safety, open web standards, and consumer choice. The company pledged to:
- Keep Google as the default search engine in Chrome, while allowing users to change it.
- Continue supporting Chromium, the open-source platform that underpins Chrome and other browsers like Microsoft Edge and Opera.
- Invest $3 billion over two years to maintain and enhance Chrome’s infrastructure.
Despite being valued at $18 billion as of July 2025, Perplexity claims that multiple venture capital funds have agreed to back the deal financially.
The tech industry has responded with skepticism. Analysts and investors have questioned the feasibility and seriousness of the offer, especially given Chrome’s strategic importance and estimated value, which some say could be ten times higher than Perplexity’s bid.
One investor described the move as a “PR stunt”, suggesting that unless a major figure like Sam Altman or Elton Musk were to triple the offer, it’s unlikely to succeed. Others noted that Google has not indicated any willingness to sell Chrome, and is expected to appeal any court ruling that mandates divestiture.
Founded in 2022, Perplexity has rapidly emerged as a key player in the generative AI space, competing with giants like OpenAI and Meta. Its AI-powered search engine is known for delivering concise, citation-backed answers, and the company has previously made headlines for proposing a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations earlier this year.
The Chrome bid, while ambitious, aligns with Perplexity’s broader strategy to control strategic access points in the digital ecosystem, browsers, search engines, and content platforms. Last month, it launched its own AI-powered browser called Comet.
