Perplexity AI, a fast-growing artificial intelligence company, has made an unexpected $34.5 billion offer to buy Google’s Chrome browser. The proposal comes as U.S. regulators consider forcing Google to sell Chrome over antitrust concerns.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended that Google sell Chrome to address last year’s ruling that the tech giant holds an illegal monopoly on internet search. Regulators say removing Chrome from Google’s control could give competitors a fairer chance.
Perplexity, valued at $18 billion after raising $100 million last year, is best known for its AI-powered search engine. The company recently launched its own browser, Comet, and competes with major players like Meta and OpenAI in the AI space.
The offer for Chrome is nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation, raising questions about funding. However, Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko says several major investment funds are ready to finance the deal.
Google has not commented on the offer. Reports earlier this year suggested Meta had shown interest in buying Perplexity, and in January, Perplexity made a failed proposal to merge with TikTok.
Launched in 2008, Chrome is the world’s most popular browser and a key part of Google’s advertising business. If Perplexity succeeds, the acquisition could dramatically reshape the browser market and competition in online search.
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