Perplexity AI, an $18 billion startup known for its AI-driven search engine that directs users to original sources, has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion, according to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal.

The report states that Perplexity’s proposal to purchase Chrome is intended “to address an antitrust remedy in the highest public interest by transferring Chrome to a competent, independent operator.”

“Several major investment funds have agreed to fully finance the deal,” said Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer of Perplexity, as reported by Bloomberg.

Chrome’s valuation is estimated by analysts to be between $20 and $50 billion; however, it is not currently on the market. Nevertheless, Google may face limited options.

In August 2024, a federal judge determined that Google unlawfully dominated the online search and search advertising sectors, declaring in a detailed 286-page opinion that “Google is a monopolist and has behaved accordingly to preserve its monopoly” via exclusive agreements.

As a potential resolution, the Department of Justice suggested that the tech company could be required to sell its Chrome browser. A judge is anticipated to make a final decision regarding Alphabet’s obligations by the end of August.

Google is appealing part of the rulings and has indicated they are not interested in selling Chrome. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a slew of potential buyers.

In April, a judge asked ChatGPT’s Head of Product Nick Turley if OpenAI would try to buy Chrome if parent company Alphabet was forced to divest, and he said a definite yes.

“Yes, we would, as would many other parties,” Turley said in court, adding that ChatGPT and Chrome combined would give his company the chance to offer an “incredible experience” that’s “AI-first.”

Perplexity AI is based in San Francisco and was founded in 2022. The startup is preparing the wide release of its own browser, Comet, though the company said it wouldn’t make any “stealth modifications” to Chrome if the deal went through.

Perplexity’s formal bid also said it would “extend offers to a substantial portion of Chrome talent.”

At press time, Google Chrome has around 68% of the web browser market share (Safari is No. 2 with nearly 16%, Microsoft Edge has 5%, and Firefox has 2.5%).

Perplexity AI also submitted a bid of at least $50 billion to buy TikTok in January, per CNBC.

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