The antitrust case into Google’s search business just got more heated, as Perplexity AI has submitted a $34.5 billion offer to acquire the company’s Chrome browser, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

Many see Perplexity’s bid to buy Google’s Chrome browser as a strategic statement rather than a likely transaction.

AI startup Perplexity said it made a formal offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion, in anticipation of requirements that may be imposed on the search giant in antitrust proceedings.