Unsolicited offer worth $34.5 billion by Perplexity AI targets Google's vaunted Chrome browser.
In an unexpected move, Perplexity AI has put forward an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google's Chrome browser. This bid was announced on August 12, 2025, amid ongoing U.S. federal antitrust litigation against Alphabet, Google's parent company.
The offer comes as a potential remedy for Google's alleged search monopoly, with the Justice Department seeking a Chrome divestiture as part of the case's remedies. However, Google has not indicated any willingness to sell Chrome and plans to appeal the antitrust ruling.
Perplexity AI characterizes its bid as being designed to satisfy antitrust requirements in the public interest by placing Chrome under a capable, independent operator. The offer includes preserving the open-source Chromium code, investing $3 billion over two years, and maintaining the default search engine.
The bid is backed by several large investors, including venture capital funds, and the offer amount exceeds Perplexity’s own valuation of $18 billion. Despite this, Google remains resistant to selling Chrome, arguing that forced divestiture would harm its business.
The offer stands as an unsolicited proposal awaiting response from Alphabet. No public indication exists that Google has accepted, negotiated, or responded formally to the offer. The status of the antitrust ruling is expected to be announced imminently, which may influence whether Perplexity's bid gains traction or remains a speculative move.
Besides Perplexity, other companies such as Yahoo and private-equity firm Apollo Global Management have also expressed interest in Chrome. This scenario remains dynamic, with the industry closely watching developments in both the antitrust case and Perplexity's bid for Chrome.
| Aspect | Status as of August 21, 2025 | |--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Offer amount | $34.5 billion all-cash | | Perplexity valuation | $18 billion | | Backing for offer | Several large investors and venture capital funds| | Alphabet/Google response | No acceptance or engagement; plans to appeal | | Judge’s ruling on remedies | Expected imminently but not yet issued | | Industry perception | Bid considered a longshot given Google’s stance |
- The unsolicited offer of $34.5 billion from Perplexity AI to acquire Google's Chrome browser is being backed by several large investors, including venture capital funds.
- The offer includes Perplexity AI's pledge to preserve the open-source Chromium code, invest $3 billion over two years, and maintain the default search engine.
- In the technology industry, Perplexity's bid for Chrome is seen as a longshot due to Google's resistance to selling the browser.
- The offer is part of Perplexity AI's strategy to satisfy antitrust requirements in the public interest by placing Chrome under a capable, independent operator.
