AI Start-Up Perplexity Proposes $34.5 Billion Acquisition of Google’s Chrome Browser Amid Antitrust Scrutiny
August 12, 2025 – In a bold move that has captured industry attention, artificial intelligence start-up Perplexity has made an unsolicited offer to purchase Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion. The proposal arrives as Google faces a pending antitrust ruling that could potentially force the company to divest Chrome as part of regulatory efforts to restore competition in the browser and search markets.
The offer, confirmed by multiple sources including The Wall Street Journal and Axios, is more than double Perplexity’s own recent valuation of around $18 billion following a funding round led by Accel earlier in 2025. Despite the ambitious price tag, Google has not indicated any intention to sell the browser, which remains a cornerstone of its web services portfolio.
Project Solomon and Deal Terms
Perplexity internally code-named the acquisition attempt Project Solomon. The company submitted a non-binding term sheet to Google outlining a potential asset sale designed specifically to address antitrust remedy requirements tied to ongoing legal challenges against Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
The proposed deal includes commitments from Perplexity to:
- Maintain uninterrupted availability and support for existing Chrome users for at least 100 months following the transaction close
- Preserve user autonomy by allowing them to choose default settings without restriction
- Invest $3 billion over two years to bolster Chrome’s development and ecosystem
Though Perplexity did not publicly disclose specific investors backing the bid, they asserted that several venture capital funds have agreed to fully finance the offering. However, some Perplexity investors have reportedly not been engaged about the acquisition, adding a layer of intrigue around the deal’s feasibility.
Context: Antitrust Battle and Market Implications
This offer takes place amid rising regulatory pressure on Google’s dominance in the online search and browser markets. US District Judge Amit Mehta, after a lengthy trial concluded in 2024, ruled that Google unlawfully monopolized online search services and is expected to impose remedies imminently. One proposed remedy under consideration is the forced divestiture of Chrome, a move that could reshape market dynamics significantly.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has previously warned that selling Chrome would harm the company’s overall business. However, advocates of the divestiture argue that it would restore greater competition and innovation opportunities in browsers and related search integrations.
Perplexity’s Strategic Position and Industry Reaction
Perplexity, known for its AI-powered search and information synthesis capabilities, recently launched its own web browser, Comet, built on Chromium—the same open-source project underlying Chrome. Acquisition of Chrome could significantly expand Perplexity’s footprint in both browsing and AI search markets.
Industry watchers view Perplexity’s bid as both a marketing masterstroke and a serious strategic gambit. The startup thereby raises its profile while signaling readiness to play a pivotal role should Google be forced to divest.
Other interested parties have been rumored in the background. OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, has reportedly expressed interest in buying Chrome if it is put up for sale, with its own browser project underway. Meanwhile, tech giants like Apple have also been mentioned as potential acquirers, further heating market speculation.
Google’s Response and Next Steps
Google has yet to issue an official response to Perplexity’s offer. As the court’s remedy decision approaches, the industry awaits clarity on whether Chrome will indeed become available for acquisition.
If approved, the transaction would mark one of the most significant shifts in the browser landscape in recent history, with broad implications for browser competition, user choice, and the future intersection of AI technology and web navigation.