Perplexity AI’s Bold Move: A $34.5B Offer for Google Chrome
If you’ve been watching the AI and tech news today, you may have seen that Perplexity AI made a splashy announcement: it offered to buy Google Chrome outright for $34.5 billion. That’s nearly double what the company is currently valued at. Let’s break down what’s going on—even if this story sounds more like stock-market drama.
About the Offer
Perplexity AI, still under three years old, proposed buying Google’s widely used Chrome browser in an all-cash deal. It backed this with support from major investors. The plan includes a $3 billion investment over the next two years, keeping the browser’s underlying code open and keeping Google as the default search engine—promises meant to quiet competition concerns.
The idea here seems twofold: position Perplexity AI – especially its own AI browser, Comet—as a serious player, and potentially sway regulators who may require Google to cede control over Chrome.
Event Timeline & Pricing Snapshot
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | August 12, 2025 |
| Offer | $34.5 billion all in cash |
| Perplexity Valuation | $18 billion |
| Investment Pledge | $3 billion over 2 years |
Comparison: Perplexity’s Offer vs. Other Rumored Bidders
| Entity | Estimated Offer | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Perplexity AI | $34.5B (all cash) | Open-source guarantee, keep Google search default |
| OpenAI / Yahoo / PE | Unconfirmed interest | Potential future bidders if Chrome is divested |
Why This Matters
Browsers are key gateways to the web—and owning one means huge influence over search access and ad streams. Perplexity AI’s offer, while ambitious, signals that the browser remains central to AI’s next frontier. If regulators do force Google to divest Chrome, this bid lets Perplexity raise its profile fast and stake a claim in the browser race.
Live Developments and Next Steps
Google hasn’t indicated any willingness to sell. Analysts expect a drawn-out legal battle if the browser is ordered to change hands. Meanwhile, Perplexity gets attention, Comet gains visibility, and everyone’s watching Judge Amit Mehta’s upcoming ruling in the antitrust case.
Disclaimer
I’m not a financial advisor—just walking you through the headlines. These numbers are based on reported offers and may shift if details emerge. If Chrome ends up in play, it could reshape how AI meets our browsers.
