Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas Proposes $34.5 Billion Deal to Acquire Google Chrome

In a surprising move, Aravind Srinivas’ Perplexity AI has proposed a staggering $34.5 billion all-cash deal to acquire Google Chrome — despite the fact that the popular browser is not officially for sale. The bold bid, more than double Perplexity’s own $14 billion valuation, is aimed at securing a dominant position in the fast-evolving AI search industry.

The startup, known for making daring business plays, previously offered to merge with TikTok’s US operations to address political concerns over Chinese ownership. Now, it has set its sights on Chrome’s estimated three billion global users, a scale that could help it rival AI leaders like OpenAI.

A Young Challenger with Big Ambitions

Founded just three years ago, Perplexity AI has quickly built a reputation for high-profile, unconventional proposals. Its earlier approach to TikTok demonstrated a willingness to take on complex regulatory challenges.

By targeting Chrome, Perplexity is pursuing not just a browser but one of the internet’s largest gateways to search traffic and user data. In the AI race, access to data and user interaction is increasingly vital for training models, improving accuracy, and expanding adoption.

If the deal were to go through, Perplexity would instantly leap into the big leagues, with billions of users and a strategic foothold in the web search ecosystem.

Google Faces Antitrust Pressure

This ambitious bid comes at a time when Google is dealing with mounting legal challenges in the United States. A recent court ruling found that Google holds an unlawful monopoly in online search. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has suggested potential remedies, including the possibility of forcing the sale of Chrome to restore competition in the market.

However, Google has stated it will appeal the ruling, maintaining that the online search industry is already competitive. The company has not indicated any plans to sell Chrome, and legal experts say that any forced sale could take years and involve the US Supreme Court.

Funding Commitments but Limited Transparency

Perplexity has not fully disclosed how it intends to finance the $34.5 billion acquisition. The company claims it has secured backing from several unnamed investment funds willing to cover the entire purchase price.

So far, Perplexity has raised approximately $1 billion from investors such as Nvidia and Japan’s SoftBank. According to a reported term sheet, Perplexity has promised:

• To keep Chrome’s open-source Chromium code freely available

• To invest $3 billion over two years into the browser’s development

• To maintain Google Search as the default search engine

The proposal is framed as a way to enhance user choice while increasing competition in both search and AI sectors.

OpenAI and Yahoo Also Showed Interest

Perplexity is not the only player eyeing Chrome. Court documents earlier this year revealed that OpenAI had also explored the possibility of acquiring the browser. Additionally, Yahoo expressed interest in a potential deal.

In 2023, OpenAI approached Google seeking access to its search API to integrate with ChatGPT. Google declined, citing competitive concerns. Since then, OpenAI has relied on Microsoft’s Bing to power ChatGPT’s web search, but admits it remains years away from building a comprehensive search engine.

Like Perplexity, owning Chrome would provide OpenAI with direct access to billions of internet users, a massive advantage in the AI space.

The Road Ahead: High Stakes, Low Odds

Industry analysts are doubtful that Google would willingly part with Chrome, given its central role in the company’s AI and search strategy. Chrome generates valuable user data that feeds into Google’s AI models and supports new features like AI-generated “Overviews” in search results.

While the DOJ argues that Google’s control over browser and search infrastructure gives it an unfair advantage, the chances of a sale remain slim without legal intervention.

For now, Chrome’s future remains tied to Google. However, as antitrust proceedings progress, the possibility — however remote — of Chrome changing hands keeps the tech world watching closely. Whether or not Perplexity’s bid succeeds, the move underscores the intensifying competition in AI-driven search.