Perplexity AI, an $18 billion generative AI startup, has stunned the tech world with an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser—nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation. The move, if successful, could reshape both the browser and search markets.
What Exactly Is Perplexity Proposing?
Led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity confirmed its offer includes:
- Keeping Chrome’s Chromium engine open source.
- Investing $3 billion into browser development.
- Keeping Google Search as Chrome’s default search engine, rather than replacing it with Perplexity’s own AI search tool.
The company says several investors have already committed to financing the acquisition.
Why Target Chrome?
The bid comes amid a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust case against Google. Last year, after winning its case, the DOJ proposed forcing Google to sell Chrome, calling it “a critical search access point” that strengthens Google’s monopoly.
“To remedy these harms, the [Initial Proposed Final Judgment] requires Google to divest Chrome…” — DOJ court filing
Google has pushed back, calling the proposal “wildly overbroad” and accusing regulators of pursuing “a radical interventionist agenda.”
What Would Perplexity Gain?
Acquiring Chrome would give Perplexity:
- Massive user reach — Chrome controls more than 60% of the global browser market.
- Direct access to search traffic — a critical advantage in the AI-driven search race.
- A launchpad for AI integration — blending Perplexity’s AI search features into the world’s most-used browser.
With competition in generative AI heating up—Meta, OpenAI, and others are spending tens of billions a year—Chrome would give Perplexity a strategic edge to compete directly with Google’s core search business.
Not Perplexity’s First Big Move
This isn’t the company’s first attempt at a bold acquisition. Earlier in 2025, Perplexity explored a merger with TikTok’s U.S. operations, which have faced ongoing legal and political scrutiny. That plan is now on hold.
Perplexity has also launched Comet, its own AI-powered web browser, and is best known for its AI search platform that delivers concise, citation-backed answers.
The Legal Backdrop
Google’s antitrust troubles aren’t limited to Chrome. In May, the DOJ began investigating whether Google violated antitrust laws in its 2024 licensing deal with Character.AI, a startup co-founded by two former Google employees.
While Google insists it has no ownership stake in Character.AI and that the company remains independent, regulators are probing whether the arrangement gave Google an unfair advantage in AI.
Will It Happen?
Given Chrome’s strategic value to Google—and the fact that Google is appealing parts of the DOJ’s antitrust remedy—the likelihood of Perplexity’s offer being accepted is slim without regulatory pressure. But if the DOJ forces a sale, Perplexity’s bid could put it at the front of the line.
