Aravind Srinivas, CEO, Perplexity AI (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg); Background image: Mashable- Perplexity AI has stunned the tech world with a $34.5 billion cash bid to buy Google Chrome, in a move that could shake up the browser market.
- A recent U.S. antitrust ruling found Google guilty of monopolizing search—putting its future control over Chrome in question.
- The DOJ is now pushing to break Chrome away from Google Search, opening the door for bold acquisition plays like Perplexity’s.
Perplexity AI has stunned the tech world with a $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google Chrome, a move that could dramatically alter the web browser market and intensify pressure on Google amid a wave of antitrust cases worldwide.
The California-based AI startup, valued at $18 billion, has revealed that it is backed by multiple undisclosed investment funds that have agreed to finance the acquisition in full. If approved, the deal would make Perplexity the independent operator of Chrome. The company has pledged to retain Chrome browser’s Chromium Open Source code, and highlighted that the transaction’s no-equity nature will preserve user choice and address competition concerns.
“Multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full,” said Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer, Perplexity.
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The bid comes just months after U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google had violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by monopolizing the search engine market. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urged the court to order Google to separate its search engine from Chrome to foster fair competition — a decision on remedies is expected later this month.
Interestingly, Perplexity launched its own AI-powered browser, Comet, last month. By acquiring Chrome, it would instantly gain access to over 3 billion users, strengthening its position against bigger AI rivals such as OpenAI.
In April, Gabriel Weinberg, CEO of rival search engine DuckDuckGo, previously estimated that Google’s Chrome browser could fetch at least $50 billion if sold. While his assessment drew considerable attention at the time, Perplexity’s current $34.5 billion offer falls notably short of that valuation.
As per various reports, Google is unlikely to sell Chrome and continue its legal fight to prevent its web browser product from being acquired.
Google’s Legal Battles: A Global Overview
DOJ’s Ad Tech Monopoly Case Against Google
In January 2023, the DOJ and several states sued Google in Virginia, accusing it of monopolizing digital advertising through tying and bundling practices. In April 2025, Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled Google had illegally monopolized publisher ad server and ad exchange markets, though claims about advertiser networks were dismissed. The DOJ seeks to divest Google Ad Manager, while Google plans to appeal.
Epic Games v. Google: Play Store Antitrust Fight
In December 2023, a jury sided with Epic Games, finding Google used exclusionary tactics — such as “Project Hug” and “Project Banyan” — to maintain dominance in Android app distribution. Judge James Donato issued a permanent injunction in October 2024 to allow competing app stores and ban exclusive deals. The injunction was reinstated in July 2025 after a temporary stay, and Google is now seeking to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Cabrera et al v. Google LLC: Advertiser Contract Dispute
Filed in 2011, Cabrera et al v. Google LLC case accused Google of overcharging advertisers and misapplying discounts in its AdWords platform, violating California’s unfair competition laws. After reviewing 910,000 documents, Google agreed to a $100 million settlement, pending court approval, while denying wrongdoing.
EU Rejects Google’s AdX Divestiture Proposal
In September 2024, EU publishers rejected Google’s offer to divest its ad exchange platform, AdX, as part of an antitrust settlement. The decision upheld the record €2.42 billion ($2.7 billion) fine against Alphabet.
Russian Court’s Record Fine Against Google
In October 2024, a Russian court fined Google about $2.5 decillion for failing to reinstate pro-Kremlin media outlets removed due to U.S. sanctions. The fine is considered uncollectible but could trigger global asset seizure attempts.
Canadian Competition Bureau’s Antitrust Lawsuit
In November 2024, Canada’s Competition Bureau sued Google for abusing dominance in online advertising, seeking divestiture of two ad tech tools and financial penalties. Google denies wrongdoing.
Together, these cases mark an unprecedented legal storm for Google — with potential remedies ranging from operational overhauls to breaking up core assets. Perplexity’s bid for Chrome not only seizes the moment but also positions the AI upstart as a direct challenger in the battle for the future of internet browsing.
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