A federal judge ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search and advertising markets. A court will determine a remedy that might require Google to sell its popular web browser, Chrome. Several competitors, including Search.com, are pursuing acquisition options, with Search.com confirming a $35 billion bid backed by JP Morgan and private equity firms. Analysts predict divesting Chrome could significantly impact Google's stock value, with potential declines of 15% to 25%. Google argues selling Chrome could make it obsolete and put users at risk of cyber-attacks.
A federal judge ruled that Google illegally maintains a monopoly in online search and ad markets. A court will this month decide on a remedy, which could force Google to sell Chrome.
Being forced to sell Chrome would be an undeniable blow to Google and its parent company, Alphabet Inc. Analysts at Barclays said such an action could be a black swan scenario for Google stock, sparking an estimated 15% to 25% decline.
Although the judge has not yet decided Chrome's ultimate fate, competitors are already lining up to gladly take it off Google's hands.
Search.com, an AI search chat platform, confirmed to Business Insider that it made a $35 billion bid for Chrome this week.
Collection
[
|
...
]