The demerger – known as an “absorption-type company split” in Japanese law – will see Solar Frontier continue business at arm’s length as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the energy group, incorporating all its former parent’s PV-related assets.

Showa Shell Sekiyu said: “The transfer and unification of company-owned assets regarding solar-related research and development activities etc... will speed up Solar Frontier's decision-making ability and improve its flexibility.”

The