Yahoo Expresses Interest in Acquiring Chrome If Google Is Forced to Divest

Yahoo Inc., backed by Apollo Global Management Inc., has expressed its willingness to purchase the Chrome web browser if a federal court mandates Google to divest it. Brian Provost, General Manager for Yahoo Search, made this disclosure during his testimony in Google’s ongoing antitrust trial in Washington.

Estimated Price in Tens of Billions

Provost stated that Yahoo estimates the value of Chrome to be in the "tens of billions of dollars." He referred to Chrome as "arguably the most important strategic player on the web," emphasizing its centrality in the online ecosystem. Provost added that with Apollo's support, Yahoo would be able to make a serious bid.

Background of the Trial

The testimony came as part of a three-week hearing in the U.S. Department of Justice's case against Google. Last year, Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the internet search market. The current proceedings are focused on deciding appropriate remedies, one of which could involve Google being forced to divest Chrome.

Justice Department Pushes for Chrome Sale

The Justice Department, along with several U.S. states, argues that selling off the Chrome browser is essential to reduce Google’s dominance and restore competitive balance in the search and browser markets. Chrome, with its deep integration into Google services, plays a vital role in maintaining Google’s supremacy in search.

Yahoo's Renewed Focus on Search and Browser Development

Yahoo was once the top search engine in the early 2000s before being overtaken by Google. Since Apollo's acquisition of Yahoo in 2021 from Verizon Communications Inc., the company has been working on revitalizing its search capabilities. Provost revealed that Yahoo is also developing its own browser but remains open to acquiring an existing one.

Interest Sparked by DOJ Proposal

According to Provost, Yahoo’s interest in Chrome emerged as soon as the Justice Department made its divestiture proposal public. The browser's potential availability on the market triggered strategic discussions within Yahoo and its backers.

OpenAI Also Interested in Chrome

Yahoo may not be the only contender. Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, testified earlier in the same trial that his company would also be interested in acquiring the Chrome browser. When asked directly, Turley responded, “Yes, we would, as would many other parties.”

Possible Bidding War Ahead

The growing list of interested parties suggests that a competitive bidding process could unfold if Chrome is put up for sale. This reflects the browser’s enormous influence on the web, not only as a user gateway but as a driver of digital advertising and user data collection.

Strategic Stakes for Yahoo

Acquiring Chrome would provide Yahoo with a massive boost in regaining relevance in the digital search space. With its own search engine and a powerful browser like Chrome, Yahoo could create a competitive ecosystem to challenge Google’s dominance more directly.