AI Startup Perplexity Proposes $34.5 Billion Acquisition of Google’s Chrome
(Bloomberg/Julia Love) — In a bold maneuver, AI startup Perplexity has formally proposed a $34.5 billion acquisition of Google’s Chrome browser. This move is strategically timed as the search giant braces for impending antitrust scrutiny.
The unsolicited bid, confirmed by a Perplexity spokesperson, was dispatched to Alphabet Inc.’s Google during the early hours of Tuesday. This initiative follows closely on the heels of competitor OpenAI, which recently articulated interest in procuring Chrome, a pivotal gateway to the web for PC users, underpinned by the open-source Chromium framework.
In light of a federal ruling last year affirming that Google holds an unlawful monopoly in internet search, the US government has delineated conditions, suggesting that Google divest itself of the Chrome browser and permit competitors access to its search data, among other proposed remediation efforts.
US District Judge Amit Mehta, overseeing the litigation, is anticipated to issue a verdict imminently regarding measures aimed at dismantling the company’s monopoly in the online search arena.
Perplexity, headquartered in San Francisco, has actively sought to attract users disenchanted with Google, offering a search experience powered by AI technology. Earlier this year, the startup successfully secured $100 million in a funding round, raising its valuation to $18 billion, as reported by Bloomberg News. This ignites curiosity about Perplexity’s financial capability to consummate its ambitious Chrome acquisition.
“Multiple large investment funds have committed to fully finance the transaction,” remarked Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, Dmitry Shevelenko.
This is not Perplexity’s inaugural foray into acquiring significant internet assets amid turbulent transitions. Earlier this year, the firm extended a bid to TikTok’s parent, ByteDance Ltd., proposing to merge with its US operations due to the looming threat of a ban on TikTok in the United States.
The web browser landscape has garnered renewed attention as AI companies endeavor to develop agents capable of executing online transactions and other user-centric tasks. Perplexity has announced its imminent launch of a browser named Comet, which will feature an AI agent designed for enhanced user experience.
Moreover, the company has assured that no “stealth modifications” will be implemented to Chrome, underscoring its dedication to maintaining continuity and user choice. “This commitment is likely to be perceived as beneficial for Google and its expansive advertising ecosystem,” the spokesperson articulated.
If the acquisition is sanctioned, Perplexity has pledged to inject $3 billion over the forthcoming two years into the development of Chrome and Chromium, alongside extending employment offers to a significant cadre of Chrome’s personnel.
Notably, Perplexity’s proposal to Google intentionally excludes any equity stake in the startup, aimed at circumventing potential antitrust complications.
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Originally Published: August 12, 202,5, at 9:51 AM PDT
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