"...The group said its 59 affiliates would invest a total of 27.8 trillion won (27.9 billion dollars) for this year to enhance growth potential and develop new businesses..."

The departure of Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee out and disbanding of the group’s strategic planning office has set subsidiaries on a more solitary course under their respective management. They will have to strengthen their autonomy and will be evaluated on their achievements without having to seek cooperation with other affiliates.

Samsung Electronics beat expectations with a 37% rise in quarterly net profits, fuelled by sparkling performances in display panels and mobile phone handsets.

The forecast heightens concern that a U.S. economic slowdown is curbing mobile-phone demand, especially for high-end models that can play music and surf the Web. Nokia Oyj, the world's biggest wireless-phone maker and Texas Instruments' largest customer, reported earnings last week that missed estimates and predicted a market slowdown.

Allegations of governance abuses help shed light on how the founding family maintains its grip on the conglomerate.

Four PC makers offered a glimpse of their upcoming Mobile Internet Devices and LG teased the launch of its latest style-focused Black Label handset.