Perplexity AI has made a bold offer of $34.5 billion to purchase Google’s popular Chrome web browser. This offer comes amid antitrust proceedings that could potentially force Google to sell off some of its assets. The proposed sum is nearly double Perplexity’s own valuation, which was reportedly $18 billion in a recent funding round.
In a letter of intent obtained by AFP, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas stated that the proposal is “designed to satisfy an antitrust remedy in highest public interest by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator focused on continuity, openness, and consumer protection.” The U.S. government has argued that Google should be forced to divest Chrome to curb its illegal monopoly in online search. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta is expected to issue a ruling on the “remedies” for Google’s monopoly by the end of the month.
Analysts at Baird Equity Research believe that the offer significantly undervalues Chrome and “should not be taken seriously.” They theorize that Perplexity, which already has its own browser, is likely trying to either provoke other bids or “influence the pending decision” in the antitrust case. Google has argued that forcing a sale of Chrome would harm innovation and leave users with a “shadow of the current Chrome,” but analysts suggest an independent Chrome would be a major advantage for competitors.
