Perplexity, the AI search engine, has confirmed an unsolicited $34.5 billion cash offer to acquire Google Chrome, according to Reuters. The bid includes a pledge to keep Chrome’s Chromium engine open source, invest $3 billion into its development, and maintain Google as the default search provider for existing users.
The move follows a U.S. Department of Justice proposal that Google be required to divest Chrome after a court ruled it illegally maintained a search monopoly. While Google has vowed to contest the ruling, Perplexity believes court-mandated remedies could be set soon. With Chrome holding 68% of global browser market share, the offer positions Perplexity to secure a dominant presence in consumer web access alongside its AI-driven search ambitions.
