Perplexity makes $34.5 billion offer to Google for Chrome browser

A Bold Bid for the Browser Wars: Perplexity Offers Google $34.5 Billion for Chrome

In a move that has sent ripples through the tech industry, Perplexity, an AI-driven search innovator, has reportedly approached Google with a staggering $34.5 billion offer to acquire its flagship web browser, Chrome. This audacious proposition, confirmed by a Perplexity representative, could fundamentally reshape the future of the internet as we know it. The timing of this unsolicited bid is particularly intriguing, coinciding with Google's ongoing legal battles and the anticipation of a definitive ruling in a significant antitrust case.

The US Department of Justice previously suggested divesting Chrome as a potential remedy in its antitrust proceedings, which concluded last year with a finding that the tech giant had violated US competition laws. Google, however, has vehemently opposed this notion, labeling it an "unprecedented proposal" that would ultimately harm consumers, and has vowed to appeal the decision. Google declined to comment on Perplexity's acquisition offer.

Perplexity: The AI Challenger Steps into the Spotlight

Perplexity, a relatively young company with about three years of history, has carved out a niche by employing artificial intelligence to sift through vast amounts of web content, delivering concise, sourced answers. Its AI-powered search engine, launched in December 2022, has emerged as a direct competitor to Google's established dominance. This latest overture signals a significant escalation in its ambitions.

Further demonstrating its commitment to shaping the browsing experience, Perplexity launched its own web browser, Comet, in July 2025. Comet is envisioned as a more personalized hub, integrating calendars, browsing tabs, and social media feeds into a unified experience. Jesse Dwyer, the Perplexity representative who spoke with CNN, emphasized that if the acquisition were to proceed, Perplexity would maintain Chrome's current browsing functionalities and would continue to use Google as the default search engine. The company has also committed to ensuring Chrome's continued availability and support for 100 months and pledged an investment of $3 billion in Chromium's development over the next two years.

The Motivation Behind the Multibillion-Dollar Offer

Dwyer articulated Perplexity's driving force behind this ambitious proposal: a profound belief in an "open internet." This principle seems to underscore their desire to influence the foundational tools that users rely on for their online journeys. It’s a fascinating paradox that Perplexity’s own valuation is less than half of its offer for Chrome. According to Bloomberg, the AI firm was most recently valued at $18 billion following a $100 million funding round. Earlier this year, Perplexity also made headlines for its attempt to acquire TikTok, a move tied to US legislation requiring the Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app from its foreign ownership to maintain its presence in the United States.

A Potential Paradigm Shift in the Digital Landscape

The implications of such a transaction are immense. Chrome, as the world's most popular web browser, is not merely a tool for navigating the internet; it is a gateway to countless online services, a platform for developers, and a critical component of Google's advertising empire. Should Perplexity acquire Chrome, it would gain considerable influence over how users access information, potentially leading to a more personalized and AI-centric internet experience. This bold move by Perplexity highlights the rapidly evolving landscape of search and browsing, where AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day force driving disruptive innovation. The tech world will be watching with bated breath to see if this unprecedented offer can indeed materialize and what it will mean for the future of our digital lives.