Some analysts were quick to point out the apparent illogic of such a takeover – but that did not stop shares of New York-listed Suntech from soaring as much as 28% on 8 April, before closing up nearly 16% to $0.48.

That is the highest share price for Suntech since it announced it was forced into insolvency on 19 March – and represents its biggest one-day increase since December.

Ironically,