Giant Tech Company, Perplexity AI, Proposes a $34.5 Billion Deal to Acquire Google's Chrome Browser.
In a critical phase of the antitrust case against Google, a ruling on whether the tech giant must sell its popular Chrome web browser is expected by the end of August 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested the divestment, arguing that Chrome is a tool through which Google maintains its monopoly by controlling search distribution and user data.
Google, however, denies being a monopoly and warns that forcing the sale of Chrome could harm security and users. The company has urged Judge Amit Mehta to reject the divestment.
The judge is reportedly considering a balanced remedy somewhere between forcing a full divestment of Chrome or Android and imposing lighter restrictions on Google’s practices. However, the ultimate decision on Chrome’s fate is pending.
If the judge orders divestment, it would represent a significant blow to Google and Alphabet. Analysts predict a potential 15% to 25% drop in Google's stock value. Several companies, including Search.com and Perplexity, have expressed interest in acquiring Chrome in that scenario.
Perplexity has offered Google $34.5 billion for the browser, a valuation that Baird Equity Research analysts deem as undervaluing the browser. The offer could potentially influence the pending decision in the antitrust case.
The U.S. government attorneys believe that artificial intelligence could increase Google's dominance as the primary window into the internet. They have called for Google to divest itself of the Chrome browser to prevent this.
The ruling on the remedies for Google's illegal monopoly in online search is being made by Judge Mehta. The landmark decision last year found that Google maintained an illegal monopoly in online search.
The potential sale or spinoff of Google Chrome could impact the competition and innovation in the browser market. Some argue that such a move would hobble innovation, hurt smaller players, and leave users with worse products.
Google contends that the United States has gone beyond the scope of the suit by recommending a spinoff of Chrome and holding open the option to force a sale of its Android mobile operating system.
[1] "Google Faces Potential Divestment of Chrome Browser in Antitrust Case." The Wall Street Journal, 15 Aug 2025. [2] "Perplexity Offers $34.5 Billion for Google Chrome." TechCrunch, 17 Aug 2025. [3] "Google Urges Judge to Reject Divestment of Chrome Browser." Reuters, 18 Aug 2025. [4] "Google Faces Historic Decision: Sell Chrome or Face Antitrust Penalties." The New York Times, 20 Aug 2025.
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