U.S. AI Startup Perplexity Proposes to Acquire Google Chrome for Record-Breaking $34.5 Billion
In the world of technological innovations, a surprising and ambitious initiative has emerged that could reshape the landscape of digital independence.
The U.S.-based artificial intelligence startup, Perplexity, has announced a staggering offer to acquire the popular Google Chrome browser for an unprecedented sum of $34.5 billion.
This is more than just a deal; it’s a direct challenge to Google’s monopoly on search engines and browsers—market dominance that has long raised concerns among global antitrust regulators.The purchase proposal was publicly disclosed by The Wall Street Journal, immediately sparking widespread discussions among the tech community and analysts.
Notably, the offered amount exceeds more than twice Perplexity’s own market valuation, estimated at around $18 billion, indicating serious intent and strong investor support for this bold move.Perplexity’s leadership claims that several major venture capital funds have already expressed readiness to fully finance the deal.
Meanwhile, Google has declined to comment on the proposal, leaving questions about a potential sale to market forces and regulatory authorities.
The valuation of Chrome varies from $20 billion to $50 billion, adding further tension to this unprecedented bid.The idea from Perplexity surfaced amid ongoing U.S.
legal proceedings targeting Google’s alleged monopoly practices.
Last year, a judge in Washington ruled that Google had unlawfully monopolized the search market, opening the door for possible measures including the forced sale of Chrome.
The ongoing legal cases provide a significant window for promoting competition and reducing Google’s market dominance.In an official letter addressed to Google’s management—under the leadership of Sundar Pichai—Perplexity explained that their proposal aims solely to address anti-competitive concerns and place Chrome in the hands of an independent, competent operator.
According to them, selling Chrome would facilitate a more open and competitive environment, ensuring continued support for Google’s search engine and preserving user options.Google, for its part, has firmly rejected any plans to sell the browser, arguing that such a move could severely damage its business model, decrease investments in innovation, and pose security risks for users.Chrome currently boasts over 3.5 billion users worldwide and holds more than 60% of the browser market share.
The discussions around possible sale or regulation of the browser have recently reignited debates within the industry and among regulators.
Notably, back in 2020, the U.S.
Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, and now authorities are considering additional restrictions, including fair competition and data sharing provisions.Overall, the story surrounding the potential sale of Chrome is gaining momentum and stands among the most high-profile cases in the tech world today, potentially heralding significant changes in the industry and the ongoing fight for digital freedom and fair competition.