Perplexity offers $34.5B for Google Chrome, exceeding its own valuation
In a move that has sent ripples through the technology industry, AI search startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Google Chrome for a staggering $34.5 billion. The bid, confirmed by a Perplexity spokesperson, stands in stark contrast to the startup’s own reported valuation of approximately $18 billion, highlighting the audacious nature of the proposed transaction.
This isn’t Perplexity’s first public declaration of interest in Google’s dominant web browser. The company had previously stated its intent to purchase Chrome should the U.S. government compel Google to divest the asset, a scenario stemming from ongoing antitrust scrutiny. While no such governmental order has materialized, and Google has given no indication it would consider selling Chrome at any price, Perplexity has now formalized its intent with a concrete financial offer. This aggressive strategy echoes an earlier attempt by Perplexity to acquire TikTok this year, showcasing a pattern of bold, high-stakes acquisition pursuits.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, Perplexity has secured commitments for the full financing of the deal. Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s chief business officer, informed Bloomberg that “multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.” Furthermore, a spokesperson for the AI firm indicated a commitment to invest more than $3 billion into Chrome and its open-source counterpart, Chromium, over the two years following a successful acquisition. This proposed investment underscores Perplexity’s strategic vision for the browser, likely aiming to integrate its AI search capabilities deeply into the browsing experience, aligning with its CEO’s view of the browser as AI’s “killer app.”
Despite Perplexity’s substantial offer and stated financial backing, the path to acquiring Chrome remains highly speculative. Google has maintained a steadfast silence regarding any potential sale, and without a court order, the company is under no obligation to consider such a bid. Chrome holds a commanding position in the web browser market, serving as a critical gateway for billions of users to Google’s vast ecosystem of services, from search to advertising. Its strategic importance to Google’s core business makes any divestiture highly improbable under current circumstances.
Perplexity’s audacious bid, therefore, can be seen as more than just a financial offer; it’s a powerful statement of intent. It signals the AI startup’s ambition to challenge established tech giants not just in search, but across the foundational layers of the internet, with the browser as a key battleground. While the likelihood of Google accepting such an offer appears remote, Perplexity has undeniably captured the tech world’s attention, positioning itself as a disruptor willing to make exceptionally bold plays in its quest for market leadership.