Samsung Electronics may split amid pressure over governance and dividends

Investors have called on South Korean company to set up holding and operating units as it deals with Galaxy Note 7 recall and prepares for succession

Samsung Electronics has said it is considering splitting in two, to allow heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong to take over the firm from his father, Lee Kun-hee, and address governance concerns.

Samsung has also come under pressure from foreign investors, including the US hedge fund Elliott Management, to improve its corporate governance through the establishment of a holding company and to increase dividends for shareholders.