- Yahoo would be willing to buy Chrome if Google he is forced to sell it due to judicial pressure.
- The deal, backed by Apollo Global Management, could cost tens of billions of dollars.
- OpenAI and other technology companies have also expressed interest in acquiring the browser.
- Google warns of the potential consequences for the market and innovation if a forced sale occurs.
In the last weeks, the possibility has gained strength that Google is forced to sell Chrome, its popular Web navigator, due to pressure from the United States Department of Justice for alleged monopolistic practices. This situation has caused several companies to begin positioning themselves as potential buyers, among which stands out Yahoo, which has confirmed its interest in acquiring Chrome if the courts ultimately decide that Google must divest this key tool for Internet access.
The context of the possible sale of Chrome It stems from an antitrust lawsuit accusing Google of maintaining an illegally dominant position in online search and related advertising. According to court documents and statements from executives, the authorities' objective would be encourage greater competition in the sector, forcing Google to give up one of its most important assets.
Yahoo and its strategy to take control of Chrome
As confirmed Brian Provost, CEO of Yahoo Search, the company financially backed by Apollo Global Management would be willing to make an offer to acquire Chrome if the opportunity arises. Yahoo believes that acquire the browser This could radically change its presence in the online search market, as its current market share is around 3%, far from the 66% held by Chrome. To troubleshoot potential issues with your own platform, you can also consult What to do if Google Chrome isn't working?.
Provost said the company could finance the transaction, valued at tens of billions of dollars, thanks to financial support from Apollo. In his words, acquiring Chrome would be a way to accelerate growth Yahoo in the sector and reposition itself as a relevant player, as it was in the 2000s before the rise of Google.
In parallel to its interest in Chrome, Yahoo has been developing its own "prototype" browser as part of its effort to revitalize its search division, although the acquisition of Chrome would, according to the company, allow it to scale much more quickly.
Other candidates: OpenAI and Perplexity
Yahoo isn't the only one that has expressed its willingness to acquire Chrome if Google has to sell it. OpenAIResponsible for Chat GPT, and Perplexity AI have also publicly expressed their interest. Nick Turley, OpenAI's product manager, confirmed in court the company's intention to bid for the browser, seeing Chrome as an opportunity to integrate its services Artificial Intelligence and thus improve the search experience of its users.
Dmitry ShevelenkoPerplexity AI's , said his company could rise to the challenge of managing Chrome while maintaining its quality and expanding the reach of its services based on IAThese statements underscore the strategic appeal of Chrome for major technology players interested in competing with Google in the browser and search engine space.
Google's position and the implications of the process
From Google a is maintained strong opposition stance a possible forced sale of Chrome. The company claims that this measure would not only affect its own ecosystem, but also other browsers such as Microsoft's Edge, which depend on the open-source Chromium technology. Google insists that the decision could jeopardize the security, privacy of users and slow down innovation in the browser market. To better understand how browsers and their technologies work, you can visit What is Microsoft Edge? Uses, reviews, and prices.
The trial, presided over by Federal Judge Amit Mehta, is in its final stages, and a final decision on Chrome's future is expected in August. The outcome could profoundly reshape the internet landscape, opening the door to a new era of competition in web access and search.
This process also reflects the strategic importance of the browser in today's digital ecosystem and the potential implications for innovation and competition in online services.
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