AI startup Perplexity has placed a stunning $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. The timing is a direct response to Google’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit, which could result in a court-ordered sale of the browser. Perplexity aims to seize this opportunity and secure a vital piece of internet infrastructure before a forced transition.
The bid, which was sent to Google on Tuesday morning, has also put Perplexity in direct competition with its rival, OpenAI, which has also shown interest in Chrome. While many are skeptical about how a company with an $18 billion valuation can afford a $34.5 billion acquisition, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer has confirmed that “multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.”
In an effort to win over public and regulatory support, Perplexity has made clear its intentions for Chrome. The company has promised a “commitment to continuity,” assuring users that there will be no “stealth modifications.” Furthermore, the bid does not include any equity in Perplexity, a move designed to mitigate any antitrust issues related to the acquisition itself. Google has not yet commented on the offer.
This aggressive move is not an isolated incident for the startup. Earlier this year, Perplexity also made a bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations when the platform was facing a potential ban. The company’s focus on acquiring major web properties facing regulatory pressure highlights the growing importance of web browsers as a platform for developing AI agents capable of performing complex user tasks. If the deal is approved, Perplexity has pledged to invest $3 billion into Chrome and Chromium.