Perplexity’s $34.5bn Bid Puts Chrome’s Future in Spotlight

Perplexity, the AI-powered search challenger from San Francisco, has made an unexpected $34.5 billion offer for Google’s Chrome browser. The approach comes as US regulators intensify antitrust scrutiny of Google’s dominance in online search.

The startup confirmed it delivered the proposal to Alphabet on Tuesday morning. Backed by unnamed investment funds, Perplexity claims the deal would position it to take over Chrome if a forced sale becomes part of the US government’s remedy in the ongoing antitrust case.

Regulators Circle as Antitrust Case Deepens

A US federal judge ruled last year that Google had been unlawfully monopolising the search market. Possible outcomes include forcing the company to sell Chrome and sharing search data with competitors. Google has pledged to appeal and is pushing for softer measures, such as altering its agreements with Apple, Mozilla, and Android partners — talks that could stretch for years.

Industry analysts are sceptical. Bloomberg reports that Colin Sebastian of Robert W. Baird & Co. values Chrome closer to $100 billion, calling Perplexity’s figure a “vast undervaluation”. He also warned that separating Chrome from Google’s ecosystem could weaken its quality and reliability.

Perplexity’s Vision Beyond the Bid

Perplexity says it has both the funds and a plan. Recently valued at $18 billion after a $100 million fundraising round, the company promises to invest $3 billion over two years in Chrome and its open-source Chromium project. It has pledged to retain much of Chrome’s workforce and maintain stability for users and advertisers. “We would not make stealth modifications to Chrome,” the startup assured.

The move also fits into Perplexity’s broader browser ambitions. It is preparing to launch Comet, a browser with built-in AI agents capable of handling tasks such as online shopping. Earlier this year, it reportedly explored merging with TikTok’s US arm in an effort to head off a potential ban.