On August 12, 2025, AI startup Perplexity AI shocked the tech industry by making an unsolicited, all-cash offer of $34.5 billion to buy Google’s Chrome browser. This offer was almost twice as much as the company’s own estimated $18 billion valuation.
Chrome isn’t just another app—it commands a massive user base (over 3 billion users globally), offering unparalleled access to the web and user data. As regulators push against Google’s search dominance, forcing a divestiture of Chrome has become a potential legal remedy. Perplexity appears to be positioning itself as a ready buyer should such a forced breakup occur
Perplexity’s bid is structured to allay concerns about preserving Chrome’s openness and continuity. The offer includes:
-
A $3 billion investment over two years to strengthen performance, reliability, and support.
-
A pledge to keep Chrome’s code open-source (Chromium) and maintain default user search engine choices.
-
Day‑one commitments to retain key Chrome personnel and ensure customer continuity for at least 100 months after closing
Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has already made headlines this year with another bold attempt—offering to acquire the U.S. operations of TikTok in January to pre-empt regulatory concerns. This latest bid heightens the company’s visibility and underlines its ambition to challenge Google’s dominance in search via its AI-powered browser, “Comet”
Analysts and commentators on Wall Street are sceptical. Considering that Chrome is the foundation of Google’s AI strategy and that it is unlikely to be sold voluntarily, buying Chrome seems extremely unlikely. Appeals to the DC Circuit or even the Supreme Court could prolong the legal dispute over whether Google needs to sell off Chrome for years.
Many view the bid as a cunning PR move to boost Perplexity’s profile in the crowded AI market rather than as a serious takeover attempt. Axios referred to it as a “marketing masterstroke,” and social media has added to it, with internet users expressing both laughter and disbelief.
The offer has not received a public response from Google. In the meantime, the antitrust decision that could lead to divestiture remedies, such as Chrome’s sale, is anticipated shortly. If such a situation materialises, Perplexity’s audacious proposal might just propel it into the running alongside well-known companies like OpenAI or private equity firms.
This deal, whether legitimate or symbolic, underscores one thing: the browser is back at the center of the AI search wars. Perplexity’s boldness may reshape the conversation—if not the outcome.
This article is based on publicly available information as of August 2025. The acquisition offer by Perplexity AI is currently unconfirmed by Google and may be subject to change. Readers are advised to follow official sources for the latest updates.
Read More: How to Prepare Special Foods for Ganesh Puja