German utility Innogy reported a 16% boost in profits at its renewables business in the first quarter, as it braces for a key role in a planned €4.9bn ($5.9bn) merger between parent group RWE and E.ON that its own board has questioned.

Innogy’s renewables unit posted an adjusted profit of €155m before interest and taxes for the January to March period, up from €134m in the 2017 same quarter.