Washington, Aug 13, 2025 — Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity has made a bold move in the tech industry by offering $34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser. The offer comes as Google faces the possibility of being forced to sell Chrome under U.S. antitrust measures.

The proposal, revealed in a letter of intent from Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, positions the deal as a remedy in the “highest public interest,” aiming to keep Chrome independent, open, and consumer-focused. Chrome currently commands a dominant global market share of over 60%, making it a central player in how billions access the internet.

Interestingly, Perplexity’s bid is nearly twice the startup’s own valuation of $18 billion from its most recent funding round. Founded just a few years ago, Perplexity has quickly gained attention with its AI-driven search and browsing tools, which already compete directly with Chrome.

Why Chrome Is at the Center of an Antitrust Storm

The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Google of illegally maintaining a monopoly in online search by leveraging its market dominance in browsers and search defaults. In a landmark ruling last year, Google was found to have violated antitrust laws, and the court is now considering remedies to restore competition.

One of the most aggressive remedies proposed is the divestment of Chrome—either through a sale or spinning it off as a separate company. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta is expected to rule on the matter by the end of August.

Government attorneys argue that as generative AI reshapes online search, Google’s control of Chrome could further entrench its dominance. Rivals like Microsoft’s Edge, OpenAI’s ChatGPT-powered search, and Perplexity itself are all racing to integrate AI into browsing, making control of Chrome a powerful strategic advantage.

Industry Response to Perplexity’s Bid

Financial analysts have been skeptical. Baird Equity Research said the offer undervalues Chrome and should not be taken at face value, suggesting Perplexity may be trying to spark other bids or influence the court’s decision.

Google has pushed back strongly against the idea of selling Chrome. Company attorney John Schmidtlein argued that more than 80% of Chrome users are outside the U.S., meaning divestiture would disrupt the browser’s global ecosystem. Google also claims such a move would stifle innovation and harm smaller competitors rather than help them.

Tech policy expert Jennifer Huddleston from the Cato Institute warned that forcing a sale could lead to less competitive products, slowing down technological advancements and diminishing user experience.

What’s Next?

If Judge Mehta rules in favor of divestment, it could mark one of the most significant tech breakups in history, reshaping the browser market and potentially shifting the balance of power in the emerging AI-driven internet era.

For Perplexity, acquiring Chrome could instantly transform it into a dominant force in global web access, while for Google, the loss of Chrome would strike at the heart of its integrated search-and-advertising empire.

All eyes are now on the court’s ruling — a decision that could redefine the future of how billions of people browse, search, and interact with the internet.