In a move that sounds like something out of a Silicon Valley drama, AI search startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited offer to buy Google’s Chrome browser. The offer is a staggering $34.5 billion. The movement is particularly audacious because it’s significantly higher than Perplexity’s own valuation. This is more than just a headline-grabbing stunt; it’s a strategic move in the race for AI supremacy.

Perplexity AI makes offer higher than its own valuation to buy Chrome

The offer from Perplexity comes at a pivotal time. Google is currently facing a legal battle over its search monopoly. The Department of Justice has even suggested that Google be forced to sell off Chrome as a potential remedy.

Google has not publicly commented on the offer and plans to appeal the court’s ruling. However, Perplexity is clearly seizing the opportunity to make its intentions known.

For companies like Perplexity and its rivals, a browser is no longer just a tool for navigating the internet. It’s a critical gateway to billions of users and their valuable data. In the era of AI, use data is essential for training and improving AI models. With its own AI-powered browser called Comet, Perplexity’s offer for Chrome is a direct attempt to leapfrog its competitors and secure a massive user base overnight.

Perplextiy claims to have “full funding” for the offer

As reported by Reuters, Perplexity claims it has secured full funding for the all-cash transaction from a group of large investment funds, although it has not named them. The company also promised to keep the underlying Chromium code open source. They also suggest that they will invest billions into the browser if the deal goes through. Basically, they want to calm concerns about a potentially closed Chromium and about the pace of Chrome improvements.

This bid for Google Chrome clearly reflects Perplexity’s ambition. However, legal experts suggest that a forced exit of the browser is a long shot and would likely face a years-long appeals process. So, don’t expect the matter to have a conclusion anytime soon.
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