Perplexity AI, the fast-growing AI search startup, made headlines on August 12, 2025 by submitting a staggering $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser—an offer nearly double its own valuation
Valued at approximately $18 billion, Perplexity claims it has lined up backing from several major VC investors to fully fund the transaction
Why Perplexity Is Making This Move
- Regulatory Opportunity: The bid aligns with ongoing U.S. antitrust proceedings against Google, where the Justice Department has proposed a forced divestiture of Chrome. Perplexity positions itself as “first in line” should divestment become mandatory
- Strategic PR Impact: Industry analysts view the audacious bid less as a genuine acquisition attempt and more as a savvy marketing play to raise Perplexity’s profile and highlight its own AI browser ambition, Comet
Key Details from the Bid
- Preservation of Chrome Features: Perplexity pledged to keep the Chromium engine open source, maintain user choice (including default search settings), and integrate over $3 billion in investment over two years to enhance performance and support
- Operational Continuity: The company committed to ensuring uninterrupted availability of Chrome for at least 100 months post-acquisition and preserving key personnel to maintain continuity
Why the Deal Is Unlikely to Happen
- Google’s Resistance: Chrome is integral to Google’s ecosystem—the gateway to Search, Gmail, YouTube, and more. Google has shown no intention of selling, and is expected to vigorously appeal any ruling forcing divestiture
- Valuation Discrepancy: Chrome, with over 3 billion users and dominant market share, is estimated to be worth between $20–50 billion, with some analysts even suggesting it could reach $50 billion
- Legal Hurdles: Court mandates around antitrust remedies could stretch over years, even decades, reducing the likelihood of a timely or successful purchase
Big Picture Impact
Perplexity’s offer has thrust the company into the limelight. Whether or not Google ever sells Chrome, Perplexity has dramatically elevated its presence in the AI and browser space—framing itself as a bold emerging contender
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Perplexity AI (valued at ~$18 billion) |
| Target | Google’s Chrome browser |
| Offer Value | $34.5 billion (all-cash) |
| Strategic Angle | Positioning amid antitrust scrutiny |
| Commitment Highlights | $3 billion investment, open-source, user defaults preserved, 100-month support |
| Acquisition Likelihood | Very low—legal and operational resistance expected |
