Silicon Valley — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech world, AI start-up Perplexity has made an unexpected $34.5 billion (£25.6bn) offer to acquire Google’s Chrome web browser, one of the most widely used internet platforms in the world.

A Bold Offer to Alphabet’s CEO

In a letter addressed to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Perplexity argued that transferring Chrome to an independent operator focused on user safety and public interest could reshape the browser market.

Perplexity pledged to:

• Maintain Google Search as Chrome’s default engine.
• Preserve user choice by allowing easy changes to search settings.
• Continue support for Chromium, the open-source code base powering Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

Skepticism Over Chrome’s Actual Value

While Perplexity’s proposal made headlines, tech investors and industry experts have dismissed the move as a likely publicity stunt. Analysts argue that the real value of Chrome — with its over three billion global users — could be ten times higher than the offered price, thanks to its vast data ecosystem and dominance in the browser market.

Google has not commented on the bid and has made no public indication that Chrome is for sale.

Antitrust Pressure on Google

The offer comes at a time when Google faces mounting antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. over its dominance in search and online advertising. A recent court ruling could force Google to separate its search business, a move the company says would harm consumer choice and security — particularly if Chrome were spun off.

Perplexity’s Rising AI Ambitions

Founded as a generative AI challenger to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Perplexity has quickly expanded its reach:

• July 2025: Launched Comet, its own AI-powered web browser.
• Earlier 2025: Made a bold offer to acquire the U.S. arm of TikTok.

The company, valued at around $18 billion, has not revealed how it would finance the Chrome acquisition.

Industry Reactions: Long Shot or Strategic Play?

Industry experts Heath Ahrens and Tomasz Tunguz estimate Chrome’s value to be several times higher than Perplexity’s bid. While they see little chance of success, they note the move signals Perplexity’s ambition to challenge tech giants and expand its influence in the AI and internet markets.

Key Takeaways

• Perplexity AI bids $34.5B for Google Chrome in surprise move.
• Google under U.S. antitrust pressure; Chrome sale unlikely.
• Chrome’s real value may be ten times higher than bid.
• Perplexity pledges open web principles and user control.
• Offer highlights rising competition in the AI-driven browser market.

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