Groups with a triple factorization (Q802748)

The authors consider groups G which have a triple factorization, \(G=HK=KL=LH\) where H, K, L are nilpotent subgroups. Their main theorem asserts that if G is a finite extension of a soluble minimax group, then G is nilpotent. This extends a well-known theorem of O. H. Kegel. The authors also draw attention to an example due to Sysak of a torsion- free metabelian group which has a triple factorization by abelian subgroups, and they assert that it is not nilpotent ``in any reasonable sense''. However, in joint work with S. E. Stonehewer the reviewer has recently shown that any group which is triply factorized by abelian subgroups has all its chief factors central.