Perplexity AI submitted a $34.5 billion acquisition proposal for Google Chrome, potentially offering Alphabet a solution to mounting antitrust pressures. Federal courts ruled that Google maintains illegal monopolies across search and advertising markets, prompting the Department of Justice to demand Chrome's divestiture. The artificial intelligence company values itself at approximately $18 billion, yet proposed nearly double that amount for the browser acquisition. Industry analysts estimate Chrome's worth between $20 billion and $50 billion, placing Perplexity's offer within reasonable market expectations. The bid contains provisions to preserve the open-source Chromium project under new ownership.
Multiple antitrust cases threaten Google's business operations across various divisions. European regulators imposed a €4.3 billion penalty for Android market manipulation, while American prosecutors target search engine exclusivity agreements. Judge Amit Mehta expects to announce remedies by August 2025 following extensive legal proceedings. Potential Chrome purchasers reportedly include Yahoo and OpenAI alongside Perplexity. Google maintains that browser separation would compromise user security and privacy protections.
Multiple antitrust cases threaten Google's business operations across various divisions. European regulators imposed a €4.3 billion penalty for Android market manipulation, while American prosecutors target search engine exclusivity agreements. Judge Amit Mehta expects to announce remedies by August 2025 following extensive legal proceedings. Potential Chrome purchasers reportedly include Yahoo and OpenAI alongside Perplexity. Google maintains that browser separation would compromise user security and privacy protections.
