AI startup Perplexity AI has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to buy Google’s Chrome browser, a move that could shake up the internet search market.
The offer nearly double Perplexity’s latest $18 billion valuation is backed by several venture investors, according to the company. The bid comes as the U.S. Department of Justice pushes Google to divest Chrome after losing an antitrust case last year, accusing the tech giant of maintaining an illegal search monopoly.
Launched in 2008, Chrome is a critical gateway to the web and a key source of ad-targeting data for Google. Regulators say selling it would level the playing field for search competitors.
Perplexity, known for its AI-powered search engine and recently launched browser Comet, has a history of bold moves including an unsuccessful proposal to merge with TikTok earlier this year.
Google hasn’t publicly responded to the offer.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
