New Delhi, India – August 13, 2025 – In a stunning move shaking up the tech world, Perplexity AI, a rising star in AI-powered search, has offered a staggering $34.5 billion to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. This unsolicited all-cash bid, reported by major outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, comes as Google faces antitrust pressures that could force a Chrome divestiture, positioning Perplexity to challenge the tech giant’s dominance in search and browsing.

A Strategic Power Play by Perplexity AI

Founded in 2022 and valued at $18 billion, Perplexity AI has rapidly gained attention with its AI-driven search engine and recently launched Comet browser. The company, backed by investors like Nvidia and SoftBank, aims to leverage Chrome’s massive user base—over 3 billion global users—to integrate its AI search tools and compete with giants like OpenAI and Google itself. The bid, codenamed Project Solomon, pledges to keep Chrome’s underlying Chromium code open-source, invest $3 billion over two years, and maintain Google as the default search engine to ensure user choice.

“This is a bold, calculated move by Perplexity to position itself at the forefront of the AI-driven search revolution,” says Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI. “Acquiring Chrome would give us unparalleled access to user data and browsing habits, fueling our mission to deliver concise, accurate, and conversational answers.”

Why Chrome? The Antitrust Angle

The timing of Perplexity’s offer aligns with Google’s ongoing legal battles. A recent U.S. court ruling found Google guilty of holding an illegal monopoly in online search, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) pushing for Chrome’s divestiture to promote fair competition. Chrome, launched in 2008, is a critical gateway to Google’s ad-driven ecosystem, making it a prized asset. The DOJ argues that separating Chrome from Google would allow rival search engines a fairer shot at the market.

Perplexity’s $34.5 billion bid, though bold, is considered low by some analysts. DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg recently valued Chrome at $50 billion, suggesting a potential bidding war if Google is forced to sell. Competitors like OpenAI and private-equity firm Apollo Global Management have also expressed interest, hinting at a heated race for the browser.

Implications for the Tech Industry

If successful, Perplexity’s acquisition could reshape the browser and search markets. By embedding its AI-powered search directly into Chrome, Perplexity could bypass Google’s ad-driven model and offer a more seamless, conversational search experience. This move would also accelerate Perplexity’s growth, giving it a massive distribution channel for its AI tools. However, regulatory hurdles in the U.S. and EU, along with Google’s resistance to selling, pose significant challenges.

Analysts remain skeptical about the deal’s feasibility. “Google is unlikely to sell Chrome voluntarily, and the antitrust process could drag on for years,” notes Herbert Hovenkamp, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. “Perplexity’s bid may be more about visibility than a realistic transaction.”

Perplexity’s Growing Influence

Perplexity’s bold bid underscores its ambition to challenge Big Tech. The company has already made waves with its AI search engine, which provides concise, source-linked answers, and its Comet browser, built on Chromium. Posts on X highlight Perplexity’s aggressive push, with some users praising its innovative approach while others question its financial capacity for such a massive acquisition.

For Indian businesses and content creators, Perplexity’s rise signals a shift in SEO strategies. Unlike Google’s keyword-heavy algorithms, Perplexity prioritizes semantic relevance and conversational content, requiring websites like Bharattone.com to focus on high-quality, structured, and engaging content to rank effectively.

What’s Next?

As the tech world awaits Google’s response and the outcome of the antitrust case, Perplexity’s bid has sparked global conversations. Will this AI upstart reshape the future of browsing, or is this a strategic stunt to boost its profile? Stay tuned to Bharattone.com for the latest updates on this unfolding tech saga.

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Keywords: Perplexity AI, Google Chrome, $34.5 billion bid, AI search, antitrust, Chrome divestiture, SEO strategies, Comet browser, tech news India
Contact: editor@bharattone.com