Perplexity Makes Unsolicited Bid to Buy Google's Chrome Browser

Core Viewpoint - Perplexity, an artificial intelligence startup, has made an unsolicited offer to acquire Google's Chrome browser amid ongoing antitrust proceedings that may compel Google to divest the asset [1][3]. Group 1: Offer Details - Perplexity's offer is valued at $34.5 billion, with several investors backing the proposal [2]. - The estimated valuation of Perplexity is $18 billion, while Chrome's enterprise value is estimated to range between $20 billion and $50 billion [2]. Group 2: Antitrust Context - The Department of Justice (DOJ) and 11 states filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in October 2020, accusing the company of using anticompetitive practices to maintain its dominance in search and search advertising [3]. - A judge ruled in August 2024 that Google's business practices violated antitrust laws, and Google plans to appeal this decision [4]. Group 3: Market Implications - Perplexity's offer aims to address antitrust concerns by proposing to place Chrome under independent management [3]. - An OpenAI executive indicated that there would be multiple potential buyers for Chrome if it were to be spun off, suggesting a competitive market for the asset [5].