Perplexity Stuns Tech World with $34.5B Chrome Bid Amid Google Antitrust Battle (2025 Update)

• Why Is Perplexity Betting Big on Chrome?
• The Antitrust Chess Match
• What's Chrome Really Worth?
• The Judge's Dilemma
• What Happens Next?
• FAQs

In a move that's shaking Silicon Valley, AI upstart Perplexity has made a jaw-dropping $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome as the landmark antitrust case reaches its climax. The bid—nearly double Perplexity's own valuation—comes as Judge Amit Mehta prepares to rule on remedies that could force Google to divest its dominant browser. With Chrome's 3.5 billion users and 60% market share at stake, this could be the biggest tech acquisition since... well, ever. Here's why this deal could redefine the internet as we know it.

Why Is Perplexity Betting Big on Chrome?

Picture this: A 3-year-old AI company (valued at $18B) offering nearly twice its worth for a browser. Either they're crazy or they see something we don't. According to the BTCC research team, Perplexity's audacious play hinges on three factors: Chrome's untapped AI potential, its 60% browser market share, and the perfect antitrust storm brewing around Google. The timing couldn't be more dramatic—Judge Mehta is expected to rule this month whether Google must sell Chrome after last year's monopoly conviction.

The Antitrust Chess Match

Google's been playing defense since the DOJ's 2020 lawsuit over those sweetheart default search deals. Now Perplexity's swooping in like, "Hey Judge, look—we've got a ready-made buyer!" Their pitch? Keeping Google Search as Chrome's default (smart move) while promising to maintain Chromium's open-source development. But Sundar Pichai ain't having it—he testified that forcing a Chrome sale WOULD "break the internet's backbone." Drama!

What's Chrome Really Worth?

Estimates swing wildly from $20B to $50B—that's like not knowing if you're buying a Tesla or a Toyota. Perplexity's $34.5B offer splits the difference, already backed by heavyweight VCs. Fun fact: This comes months after Perplexity quietly launched Comet, their own browser. Coincidence? Or was that just a $18B company practicing for the big leagues?

The Judge's Dilemma

Judge Mehta dropped some spicy questions during hearings: Could AI chatbots already be eating Google's 90% search dominance? Would a Chrome sale be "cleaner" than regulating default search deals? Meanwhile, Perplexity's facing lawsuits from News Corp subsidiaries. Nothing says "tech acquisition" like courtroom drama on both sides!

What Happens Next?

Three possible outcomes: 1) Judge forces a sale (unlikely but nuclear), 2) Orders behavioral remedies (probable), or 3) Google wins appeal (long shot). Either way, Perplexity just positioned itself as the WHITE knight of antitrust—whether Google likes it or not. One thing's certain: The browser wars just got way more interesting.

FAQs

Why would Perplexity want Chrome?

Control over the dominant browser (60% share) gives instant scale for AI integration and a direct pipeline to 3.5B users—something money can't usually buy.

Is Google really being forced to sell?

Not yet. The judge is considering remedies after last year's monopoly ruling, with a decision expected this month.

How does this affect Chrome users?

Perplexity promises no immediate changes—Google Search stays default, Chromium development continues. But long-term? Expect heavy AI integration.