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Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer for Chrome marks a bold challenge to Google’s dominance in the browser space.
The AI-powered search startup confirmed its unsolicited bid for the Chrome browser, a move driven by ongoing antitrust tensions facing Google. The Department of Justice previously suggested that Google may be required to sell Chrome as part of a proposed remedy.
Google, valued at $2.5 trillion, dismissed the idea of selling Chrome as “unprecedented” and declined to comment on Perplexity’s approach. The search giant plans to appeal the antitrust decision. Still, Perplexity’s move sends a signal that emerging players are ready to reshape how users access and consume web content.
Founded less than three years ago, Perplexity has already positioned itself as a serious Google competitor. The company launched its AI-driven search engine in December 2022 and introduced Comet, its personalized web browser, in July. Comet connects search behavior with calendars, tabs, and social activity.
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A new front in AI search competition
Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer for Chrome stands out because it nearly doubles its own company valuation. Still, investors seem ready. The Wall Street Journal reported backing from multiple venture capital firms willing to support the acquisition.
The offer includes promises to maintain Google as the default search engine in Chrome and preserve users’ settings. Perplexity is also committed to supporting Chrome for 100 months and investing $3 billion into Chromium over the next two years. Chromium is the open-source project that powers Chrome and other browsers, including Microsoft Edge.
Spokesperson Jesse Dwyer said Perplexity made the offer because the company “believes in the open web.” The statement reflects growing tension between Big Tech and newer entrants focused on decentralizing control of information flow.
Perplexity’s model combines real-time content parsing with AI-generated summaries and live source links. It challenges traditional search engine structures by prioritizing clarity, speed, and transparency over ad-driven ranking systems.
Will Chrome stay under Google’s control?
Google is fighting back against the DOJ’s antitrust claims and sees a forced sale of Chrome as harmful. Security and integration concerns are among its main arguments. Still, critics argue that Chrome’s dominance gives Google unfair advantages in data collection, search defaults, and advertising markets.
If the courts decide to enforce divestiture, Perplexity’s preemptive bid positions it as the lead candidate. The move would dramatically alter the search and browser ecosystem, where Google has held majority control for over a decade.
As AI reshapes user behavior and digital expectations, browser ownership becomes a key battleground. Perplexity’s $34.5 billion offer for Chrome is not only a valuation question but a signal of intent to disrupt.
