• Perplexity indicates potential interest in acquiring Google's Chrome if a court orders divestiture in the DOJ antitrust case, though no formal bid has been made.
  • Executives estimate Chrome's standalone value at "upwards of $50 billion," highlighting the high stakes of any potential deal.
  • Perplexity prefers Chrome remain open-source under Google rather than fall into the hands of an AI rival like OpenAI.

Perplexity's Conditional Interest in Chrome

Perplexity, the AI search startup, has told a U.S. court it would consider acquiring Google's Chrome browser if a divestiture is ordered as part of the DOJ's antitrust case against Google. The company's chief business officer testified that while it could operate Chrome at scale, it would prefer Google retain control to keep the browser open-source. "I think we could do it," the executive said, according to court transcripts.

Valuation and Competitive Landscape

During the remedy phase of the trial, participants discussed Chrome's potential value, with estimates ranging "upwards of $50 billion." This figure underscores the transformative impact a forced sale could have on the browser and search markets. Other potential suitors, including DuckDuckGo and OpenAI, have also expressed interest, signaling a competitive bidding process if divestiture is mandated.

Strategic Implications

For Perplexity, acquiring Chrome would provide a significant distribution advantage, addressing one of the key challenges AI upstarts face in securing default placements with OEMs and carriers. The company recently launched its own AI-native browser, "Comet," positioning it as a direct competitor to Google's ecosystem. However, Perplexity's leadership has emphasized its desire to remain independent, rejecting acquisition overtures from Big Tech.

Regulatory and Market Context

The DOJ's case centers on allegations that Google illegally maintained its search monopoly through Chrome's default status and integration. A divestiture could reshape the competitive landscape, but the court has yet to rule on remedies. Analysts are closely watching whether AI-native browsers can disrupt Google's dominance, with Perplexity's interest in Chrome reflecting broader industry shifts toward AI-driven interfaces.

Future Outlook

Short-term, the court's decision on remedies will determine whether Chrome is put up for sale. If divestiture is ordered, Perplexity could face stiff competition from other tech firms vying for the asset. Long-term, the integration of AI into Chrome by a new owner could accelerate the decline of traditional search models, with far-reaching implications for ad tech and default placement economics.