Perplexity AI, Backed by Bezos, Makes Unexpected $34.5 Billion Offer for Google Chrome

Perplexity AI, a fast-rising startup in the generative artificial intelligence sector and backed by influential investors such as Jeff Bezos and Nvidia, has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser. The offer, reportedly far below Chrome’s estimated market value, comes amid mounting antitrust pressure on Google in the US, where courts may soon order a forced separation of its search business. While Perplexity claims its proposal is a commitment to an open web and user choice, several investors dismiss the move as a publicity stunt unlikely to succeed. The startup, recently valued at $18 billion, has drawn recent controversy for alleged copyright violations and has not clarified how it would fund such a deal. Google, which faces ongoing scrutiny over its monopoly position, maintains that spinning off Chrome would damage user security and is expected to appeal any breakup order.

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