Samsung Electronics Is Heading for a Split

Samsung Electronics Co. didn’t quite come out and actually say it, but South Korea’s most valuable company is probably going to split as soon as next year.

Samsung said on Tuesday it’s looking at a plan to turn itself into a holding company, and would have more to say on the issue at a later date. The idea was presented as a way to improve shareholder value and address calls from Elliott Management Corp. for more responsive management. Perhaps the most important reason for a breakup, however, is that Samsung and the founding Lee family would also see big benefits from such a split.