In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the tech industry, artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has tabled an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, according to a report from CNBC on August 12, 2025. The audacious offer, which exceeds Perplexity’s own valuation, comes as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) pushes for Google to divest Chrome following a landmark antitrust ruling against the tech giant.
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A Strategic Play in the Browser Wars
Perplexity, known for its innovative AI-powered search engine that delivers concise answers with source citations, has been making waves in the tech world. Valued at $18 billion in a recent funding round, the company has secured commitments from venture investors to finance the Chrome acquisition, signaling confidence in its growth trajectory. The bid, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, underscores Perplexity’s ambition to challenge established players in the internet ecosystem.
Google’s Chrome, launched in 2008, is a cornerstone of the company’s dominance in online search and advertising. The browser serves as a critical access point to the internet, collecting user data that fuels Google’s targeted advertising machine. However, the DOJ’s recent antitrust ruling, which found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly in search, has put Chrome in the spotlight. The DOJ argues that divesting Chrome would level the playing field for competing search engines, a move that Perplexity appears poised to capitalize on.
Why Chrome Matters
Chrome’s global market share, estimated at over 65% as of mid-2025, makes it a prized asset. Its seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, including Search, Gmail, and Google Ads, has cemented its position as the browser of choice for millions. For Perplexity, acquiring Chrome could provide unparalleled access to users and data, supercharging its AI-driven search capabilities and its recently launched Comet browser.
Perplexity’s CEO, in a statement to CNBC, emphasized the strategic fit: “Chrome’s user base and infrastructure would accelerate our mission to make information discovery faster and more intuitive. We see this as an opportunity to redefine how people interact with the internet.”
The Antitrust Backdrop
The DOJ’s push to force Google to sell Chrome stems from a 2024 ruling that found Google’s search practices anticompetitive. The department contends that Chrome’s dominance stifles innovation by giving Google unfair control over a key internet gateway. “Divesting Chrome would allow rival search engines to compete on equal footing,” the DOJ stated in a recent filing, highlighting the browser’s role in perpetuating Google’s monopoly.
This legal pressure may make Google more open to considering Perplexity’s offer, though the company has not yet responded publicly. Analysts suggest that Google could face significant regulatory hurdles if it resists divestiture, making a sale—voluntary or mandated—a plausible outcome.
Perplexity’s Rise and Rivals
Founded in 2022, Perplexity has quickly gained traction with its AI-powered search engine, which competes with traditional search giants like Google and emerging players like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company’s recent launch of Comet, its own browser, signals its intent to expand beyond search into the broader internet experience. Earlier this year, Meta approached Perplexity for a potential acquisition, but no deal materialized, leaving Perplexity to pursue its independent growth strategy.
The $34.5 billion bid for Chrome, while bold, raises questions about Perplexity’s financial capacity. Valued at $18 billion, the company would rely heavily on its venture backers to fund the acquisition. Industry observers note that the deal’s success hinges on regulatory approval and Google’s willingness to part with a core asset.
What’s Next?
As the tech world awaits Google’s response, Perplexity’s bid has sparked debate about the future of the browser market. A successful acquisition could reshape the competitive landscape, giving Perplexity a powerful platform to challenge Google’s dominance in search and beyond. However, the deal faces significant hurdles, including scrutiny from regulators wary of consolidating too much power in a single player.
For now, Perplexity’s offer is a bold statement of intent, signaling that the AI startup is ready to play in the big leagues. Whether it can pull off a deal of this magnitude remains to be seen, but the move has undoubtedly put the industry on notice.
This article is based on reports from CNBC and The Wall Street Journal, published on August 12, 2025.
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