Asustek Computer has refuted a rumor that the company is considering separating its Open Platform business group, which includes motherboard, graphics card, monitor and peripheral product lines, and the System business group, which includes PC, smartphone and tablet product lines, to form independent companies.

Following Ted Hsu's return as Asustek's Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), rumors have spread that Asustek is planning to spin off its Open Platform business group - which is expected to see over NT$6 billion (US$185.73 million) in profits from its motherboard/graphics card businesses in 2016 and more than NT$10 billion if profits from monitor, network, smart home and gaming peripheral products are included - into an independent company.

With Asustek's System business group currently still facing strong challenges from competitors, keeping the Open Platform business group may be necessary to maintain the company's overall growth, some market watchers noted.