Overview

• Perplexity AI has delivered a formal letter of intent to purchase Google Chrome for $34.5 billion.
• The startup says multiple large investment funds will underwrite the bid, which exceeds its private valuation of roughly $18 billion.
• In its offer, Perplexity pledges to retain Google as Chrome’s initial default search provider, invest $3 billion into Chromium development and absorb some Chrome employees.
• Market analysts estimate Chrome’s value anywhere between $20 billion and $100 billion, fueling debate over whether a $34.5 billion price is realistic.
• A federal judge is expected to rule on DOJ antitrust remedies later this month, with Google indicating it will appeal any order to divest Chrome.