AI Search Engine Perplexity Offers To Acquire Google Chrome In $34.5 Billion Deal

In a bold move, AI-powered search engine Perplexity has submitted an unsolicited £27.6 billion (€32 billion) cash offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, according to Reuters, an announcement confirmed by Perplexity to TechCrunch. Under the proposal, Perplexity would preserve Chrome’s Chromium engine as an open-source platform, investing an additional £2.4 billion (€3 billion) into its development. The offer further pledges to maintain current user settings, leaving Google Search as the default search engine. This strategic bid comes amid mounting antitrust pressure from the US Department of Justice (DOJ), which is seeking divestiture of Chrome. As one of the most widely used web browsers globally—with approximately 68 per cent market share—Chrome’s fate could reshape the competitive landscape of both web browsing and search technology.

Strategic Terms of Perplexity’s Proposal

Open-Source and Investment Commitments

Perplexity guarantees to:

• Retain Chromium’s open-source status
• Inject a significant £2.4 billion (€3 billion) investment into the project

Default Settings Assurance

To placate users and regulators, Perplexity has promised:

• No changes to Chrome’s default settings
• Preservation of Google Search as the default engine

Regulatory Context

• The DOJ, in March, proposed forcing Google to divest Chrome following a court ruling that Google unlawfully maintained dominance in search
• Perplexity expects the court to set remedy terms imminently, possibly within weeks
• Google has pledged to contest both the Chrome divestiture and a separate claim concerning monopolistic ad-tech practices

Market Implications

• Perplexity’s offer of $34.5 billion, while below the top estimate, could be a strategic bargain if divestiture takes place.
• The bid notably exceeds Perplexity’s current valuation (~$18 billion following a $100 million extension round) and far outpaces the $1.5 billion it has raised to date per PitchBook

Broader Strategic Moves by Perplexity

• Launch of Comet browser: Released last month to further Perplexity’s AI-driven search ambitions independently of Chrome
• Merger interest: Reports suggest Perplexity put forward a proposal to merge with TikTok in the same timeframe

These efforts signal Perplexity’s long-term goal of expanding into browser and social media domains—key channels for AI-enhanced user experiences.

Conclusion

Perplexity's bold bid to acquire Chrome marks more than just an aggressive financial play--it represents a bold strategic play at the intersection of artificial intelligence, open source commitment, and antitrust-driven market realignment. Should regulators mandate divestiture of any type, this offer could accelerate both browser and search technology evolution; industry watchers and users alike will eagerly watch to see whether Perplexity succeeds in seizing control of Chrome, redefining its role within the web ecosystem and keeping their bold promises.