New York, US – August 13, 2025 – Perplexity AI has launched a $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google Chrome. The move seeks to redefine AI-powered browsing and unlock access to Chrome’s vast base of over three billion users.
CEO Aravind Srinivas leads this bold effort. Perplexity launched its AI-enabled browser, Comet, which helps users to complete tasks more efficiently. By adding Chrome to its portfolio, Perplexity could increase its influence and better compete with rivals like OpenAI.
Meanwhile, Alphabet Inc. faces growing antitrust pressure. A U.S. court ruled last year that Google holds an unlawful monopoly in online search. Consequently, the Justice Department has proposed selling Chrome as a remedy. However, Google has not responded to the offer.
Perplexity structured its proposal as an all-cash offer with no equity component. The startup, valued at $14 billion, has attracted investments from SoftBank and Nvidia. Several unnamed funds have also offered to finance the full deal. Funding details remain confidential.
A term sheet reviewed by Reuters outlines Perplexity’s plans to keep Chrome’s Chromium code base open‑source. The company would invest $3 billion in development over two years and preserve Google Search as the default engine. It also promises to protect user choice and support fair competition.
Experts cast doubt on Google agreeing to sell Chrome voluntarily. The browser now anchors Google’s AI and advertising strategy with features like AI-generated search summaries. Consequently, handing it over could weaken Google’s dominance in search.
Legal scholars anticipate a prolonged antitrust case. Judge Amit Mehta is expected to issue a ruling soon. However, appeals could delay any enforced divestiture. Courts typically avoid forcing asset sales amid ongoing litigation, making a quick resolution unlikely.
Industry observers say the bid may underestimate Chrome’s worth. DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg has suggested Chrome could fetch more than $50 billion. Accordingly, any forced sale might attract much higher bids.
Even if the acquisition fails, Perplexity AI’s offer signals a significant shift. Browsers have become strategic platforms for Artificial intelligence, user data control, and digital interaction. As a result, Perplexity positions itself to shape how billions access the web.
Analysts say this bid reveals how antitrust scrutiny may empower smaller, ambitious players. AI startups now aim to control portals to user data and search traffic.
Perplexity’s bold strategy reflects a rising trend. AI companies increasingly target browsing infrastructure to expand their reach. Unlike earlier generations of web tools, modern browsers serve as hubs for intelligent services, and controlling them can unlock new AI experiences.
Investors seem to notice. Perplexity’s proposal stands out for its scale and ambition. Offering $34.5 billion in cash demonstrates confidence and readiness to take on tech giants.
As regulators weigh remedies for Google’s antitrust violations, Perplexity may be positioning itself as a viable alternative steward for Chrome. Whether the courts approve a divestiture remains uncertain.
Still, the bid highlights how AI is influencing core web infrastructure decisions. Control over browsing tools now equals a strategic edge in the digital race.
This saga could redefine competition in the AI and search landscape. Perplexity’s move may encourage new players to challenge incumbents and explore creative pathways to growth.
