Yahoo Aims to Acquire Google’s Chrome Web Browser
Yahoo is making bold moves to re-enter the web browser market. As part of an ongoing antitrust trial, the company revealed it’s prototyping its own browser. However, it’s also open to acquiring Chrome if a court forces Google to sell it. This potential shift came to light during the U.S. Department of Justice’s trial, where breaking up Google’s monopoly is a major proposal.
Although Yahoo isn’t alone in this interest, it stands out with its readiness to act. DuckDuckGo admitted it couldn’t afford Chrome, but both Perplexity and OpenAI expressed enthusiasm about owning the popular browser. Yahoo’s General Manager of Search, Brian Provost, noted that browsers are crucial entry points to the internet. In fact, around 60% of search queries occur through web browsers, often directly via the address bar. Therefore, Yahoo has been developing a prototype since last summer to explore launching its own.
Developing or Acquiring: Two Paths Forward
Provost explained that Yahoo’s prototype browser is expected to take six to nine months to complete. Still, acquiring Chrome could fast-track the company’s strategy significantly. While the prototype offers independence, buying Chrome offers immediate scale. According to Provost, Yahoo’s search market share could surge from 3% to double digits with Chrome under its belt.
Although he didn’t name names, Provost confirmed Yahoo is in talks with other companies about browser acquisition opportunities. The company believes Chrome holds exceptional strategic value, calling it “the most important player on the web.” Additionally, with support from Apollo Global Management Yahoo’s parent company funding a multi-billion dollar deal seems within reach.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t Apollo’s first brush with browser ownership. It currently owns the Netscape brand, though Provost says it’s inactive. Still, the symbolic weight of acquiring Chrome would be substantial. Moreover, Yahoo’s ambition signals how seriously it’s taking the chance to reclaim relevance in search and browser markets.
As the Justice Department presses forward, companies like Yahoo are preparing for potential industry shakeups. Whether by development or acquisition, Yahoo seems determined to return to the center of the web browsing experience.
