Perplexity AI Makes Bold $34.5 Billion Offer to Take Over Google’s Chrome Browser

SAN FRANCISCO, August 15, 2025 – In a bold move shaking the tech industry, AI startup Perplexity has offered Google $34.5 billion to acquire its Chrome browser. The proposal comes as U.S. antitrust authorities push Google to sell Chrome, calling it key to breaking the tech giant’s "illegal monopoly" in online search.

Key Developments

• The Offer: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas submitted a formal letter of intent, obtained by AFP, framing the bid as an "antitrust remedy" to ensure Chrome’s independence.
• Valuation Shock: The bid nearly doubles Perplexity’s own $18B valuation but is dismissed by analysts as vastly undervaluing Chrome.
• Antitrust Context: A 2024 court ruling found Google monopolized search. U.S. attorneys now demand Chrome’s sale, arguing AI could cement Google’s dominance.

Skepticism and Strategy

Baird Equity Research called the offer unrealistic, suggesting Perplexity—which already competes with Chrome—may be:

1. Sparking rival bids
2. Influencing Judge Amit Mehta’s pending antitrust ruling

"An independent Chrome would help Perplexity grab browser market share," Baird noted.

Google’s Defense

Google fiercely opposes divestment, warning:

• 🌎 80% of Chrome users are outside the U.S.; a sale would cause global disruption.
• ⚠️ "Any divested Chrome would be a shadow of its current self," argued Google attorney John Schmidtlein.
• 💡 Cato Institute’s Jennifer Huddleston added forced sales would "hobble innovation" and "hurt users."

The AI Race

The bid highlights escalating AI wars. Rivals like Microsoft, ChatGPT, and Perplexity use generative AI to answer web queries—challenging Google’s core search model. As Google integrates AI deeper into its services, Chrome’s role as an "internet gateway" grows more critical.

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What’s Next?

Judge Mehta’s ruling on potential remedies—including a Chrome sale—is expected by month’s end. If rejected, Perplexity’s bid collapses. If approved, a bidding war could erupt.