Perplexity, a fast-growing AI search company, has made an unexpected offer to acquire Google Chrome for US$34.5 billion, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. The unsolicited proposal was submitted on 12 August, just months after the startup stated it would consider purchasing the browser if regulators required Google to sell it.
The bid is significantly higher than Perplexity’s own estimated value of around US$18 billion, raising questions over how the deal would be financed. Google has not shown any interest in selling Chrome, and no court ruling currently compels the company to divest its popular web browser.
Perplexity had also made headlines earlier this year when it expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, though that deal never materialised.
Funding commitments and investment plans
Speaking to Bloomberg, Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s chief business officer, said, “Multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.” This indicates that the startup has secured external backing to cover the proposed acquisition cost.
In addition to the purchase price, Perplexity has pledged to invest over US$3 billion in Chrome and its open-source counterpart, Chromium, within the first two years, contingent upon Google’s agreement to sell the assets. According to the company, these investments will focus on improving browser performance, enhancing privacy features, and further integrating AI-driven capabilities.
Google is yet to respond
Despite the ambitious offer, industry analysts note that Google is under no obligation to consider the bid, as there is currently no regulatory pressure to sell Chrome. The browser remains one of the company’s most valuable products, dominating the global market with a substantial share.
Jesse Dwyer, a spokesperson for Perplexity, confirmed that the WSJ’s reporting was accurate, reiterating that the offer is genuine and backed by committed funding. However, Google has not issued any public comment on the matter, and it remains unclear whether the proposal will receive serious consideration.
If accepted, the acquisition could mark one of the largest tech deals in recent years, potentially reshaping the browser market and setting a new precedent for AI-driven companies expanding into core internet services. For now, the future of the proposal depends on whether Google sees any strategic value in parting with one of its flagship products.
