Perplexity, a rising AI startup valued at $14 billion, has made a surprising move by submitting an unsolicited all-cash offer of $34. 5 billion to acquire Google’s widely used Chrome browser. This bold proposal aims to accelerate Perplexity’s AI development and expand its digital footprint. Founded just three years ago and known for its AI browser Comet, Perplexity plans to merge Chrome’s massive user base—over three billion globally—with its AI technology to create an advanced browsing experience, potentially transforming how users interact with the web. Although the offer far exceeds Perplexity’s financial capacity, the company revealed that several unnamed investment funds are willing to fully finance the deal, reflecting investor confidence in the startup’s vision and the strategic value of acquiring Chrome. The timing coincides with growing regulatory pressures on Google, including a recent U. S. court ruling that found Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly in online search, with calls for reform and possible divestiture of Chrome.

Google plans to appeal the ruling, but this regulatory climate forms a significant context for Perplexity’s bid. Industry analysts are skeptical that Google will accept the offer, given Chrome’s critical role in Google’s AI strategy and its importance as a gateway to billions of users, integral to maintaining Google’s competitive edge. Experts emphasize that divesting Chrome would be unprecedented and could weaken Google’s market position. Alongside the financial bid, Perplexity has pledged to maintain Chrome’s open-source codebase, invest $3 billion over two years to foster development and innovation, and keep the current default search engine unchanged to ensure user and partner stability. Despite these assurances, legal experts warn that any divestiture process would be lengthy and complicated, likely spanning years due to the complex disentanglement from Google’s existing operations and inevitable appeals. It is noteworthy that Perplexity’s offer of $34. 5 billion is significantly lower than some analyst valuations of Chrome, which reach up to $50 billion, highlighting differing views on the browser’s strategic value and future potential. In summary, Perplexity’s unsolicited $34. 5 billion bid for Google Chrome is a remarkable development signaling both the ambitions of emerging AI firms and the challenges involved in breaking up dominant digital platforms. While it remains uncertain if the offer will induce any actual changes, it brings significant attention to ongoing debates about competition, innovation, and control in internet technology.