What to know

  • Yahoo has expressed interest in buying Google’s Chrome browser if a court orders Google to sell it.
  • The estimated sale price for Chrome is in the tens of billions of dollars, with some estimates reaching $50 billion.
  • This move follows a US Department of Justice antitrust case against Google, which could force the company to divest Chrome.
  • Yahoo, backed by Apollo Global Management, aims to boost its search market share through this acquisition.

Yahoo, once a dominant force in internet search, has announced its intention to purchase Google’s Chrome browser if a federal court requires Google to sell it. This development comes amid an ongoing antitrust trial in Washington, where the US Department of Justice and several states argue that Google’s control over the search and browser markets is too strong and needs to be reduced by divesting Chrome.

Brian Provost, Yahoo Search’s general manager, testified that Chrome is “arguably the most important strategic player on the web.” He estimated Chrome’s value to be in the tens of billions of dollars, with some industry estimates placing it as high as $50 billion. Provost emphasized that Yahoo, with financial backing from Apollo Global Management, is prepared to make a serious bid if the court mandates a sale.

Yahoo’s interest in Chrome is part of its broader strategy to revitalize its search engine business. Since being acquired by Apollo in 2021, Yahoo has been developing its own web browser and exploring acquisition opportunities. Provost noted that nearly 60% of searches are conducted through browsers, and owning Chrome could help Yahoo increase its search market share from the current 3% to potentially double digits.

The antitrust trial follows a ruling last year that found Google had illegally monopolized the internet search market. The court is now considering remedies, including forcing Google to sell Chrome. Google, which holds about 66% of the global browser market, is expected to contest any order to divest. The outcome of the trial, expected later this year, could have significant implications for the tech industry.

Yahoo is not alone in its interest. Other companies, including OpenAI and Perplexity, have also expressed a willingness to bid for Chrome if it becomes available. However, Yahoo’s leadership believes its resources and experience position it as a strong contender.

If the court orders Google to sell Chrome, the transaction would mark one of the largest and most consequential deals in the history of the internet, potentially reshaping the browser and search landscape for years to come.

Via: TheVerge