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Perplexity bids to acquire Chrome

A 34.5B bid reported for Google Chrome signals a bold move in the browser AI space.

August 12, 2025 at 04:50 PM
blur Perplexity offers to buy Google Chrome for $34.5 billion

The Wall Street Journal reports Perplexity has offered 34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome, a move that could shake up the browser and AI landscape.

Perplexity bids to buy Google Chrome for 34.5 billion

The Wall Street Journal reports that Perplexity has bid 34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome. The move would push the AI startup further into platform territory and could reshape how users access search and AI tools. Google has not indicated a willingness to sell Chrome, and no sale order has been issued by a court.

Perplexity says that multiple large investment funds will finance the transaction in full and that it would invest more than 3 billion in Chrome and Chromium over the next two years if the deal closes. The bid highlights a trend of AI companies seeking to control major web infrastructures, even as regulators and markets weigh the implications for competition and consumer choice.

Key Takeaways

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Perplexity pursues a bold 34.5 billion bid for Chrome
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Google has not signaled willingness to sell
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Financing claims depend on funds backing the deal
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A multi billion investment plan targets Chrome and Chromium
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Regulators will assess competition and consumer impact
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Valuation gaps raise questions about execution and motive
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The bid reflects AI driven interest in controlling web infrastructure

"multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full."

Dmitry Shevelenko on financing

"Perplexity would invest more than $3 billion in Chrome and Chromium over the next two years if Google accepts the deal."

Investment plan

"The startup’s bid for Chrome stands in stark contrast to the startup’s valuation of about $18 billion."

Valuation contrast

"The WSJ’s reporting is accurate."

Spokesperson confirmation

This bid spotlights how the line between software and platform is blurring. A browser is no longer just a tool; it is a gateway to AI powered experiences and a choke point for data flow. If the deal advances, expect scrutiny over how a single company could influence what people see and how their data is used.

If Perplexity succeeds, the browser market could tilt toward AI integration and faster feature turnarounds, heightening competition with Google and other players. Regulators will weigh antitrust risks, while developers and users watch to see whether open source projects like Chromium stay independent or become part of a bigger commercial strategy. The path from bid to closing will reveal how far fast money can bend a highly regulated, highly influential ecosystem.

Highlights

  • Big money meets a big browser
  • Funding is the signal investors are watching
  • Chrome moves the AI race forward
  • A gatekeeper changes hands and the market notices

Financial and regulatory risk in chrome bid

The bid relies on financing from large funds and a plan to invest billions in Chrome and Chromium. Regulators may scrutinize competition and consumer impact, creating delay or rejection.

The coming weeks will test how far a bold bid can move a market built on data and trust.

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