Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Offer to Buy Google Chrome

AI startup Perplexity has surprised the tech world by offering $34.5 billion to buy Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser. This is a huge amount—more than twice what the company itself is worth.

Why This Is Big News

• Chrome is used by over 3 billion people around the world.
• Google has owned Chrome since it launched in 2008, and it controls a big share of the internet browser market.
• Perplexity’s offer comes at a time when Google is under growing antitrust pressure in the U.S., with some regulators calling for the company to divest Chrome due to its dominance in search and browsers. In fact, there are increasing discussions that Google might be forced to sell Chrome.

Why Perplexity Wants Chrome

Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine company. By owning Chrome:

• They could bring AI features directly into the browser.
• They would instantly reach billions of users.
• They could compete more directly with Google Search and Microsoft Bing.

The company has promised:

• Chrome will stay free and open-source.
• Google Search will remain the default search engine (at least for now).
• They will invest $3 billion to improve speed, security, and AI integration.

Can Perplexity Afford It?

Perplexity is worth around $14 billion right now. Their $34.5 billion offer would need support from investors. They say big investment firms are ready to help fund the deal.

Will Google Sell?

Most experts think Google will not sell Chrome voluntarily. However:

• If the US court orders Google to sell Chrome as part of an antitrust ruling, Perplexity could be in line to buy it.
• This means the offer is not just about money—it’s also a public statement showing regulators that there are other companies ready to run Chrome.

What It Means for Users

If Perplexity somehow buys Chrome:

• You might see more AI tools built into the browser.
• The look and feel of Chrome might stay the same at first.
• Search results and features could change over time as AI gets more involved.

The Bottom Line

Perplexity’s $34.5 billion bid is bold and unlikely to happen soon, but it sends a message:
AI companies don’t just want to make apps—they want to own the platforms where people spend their time online. Whether or not the deal happens, this move shows how quickly the browser wars and search wars are heating up.