Unique tensor factorization of algebras

Tensor product decomposition of algebras is known to be non-unique in many cases. But, as will be shown here, a -indecomposable, finite-dimensional -algebra A has an essentially unique tensor factorization into non-trivial, -indecomposable factors . Thus the semiring of isomorphism classes of finite-dimensional -algebras is a polynomial semiring . Moreover, the field of complex numbers can be replaced by an arbitrary field of characteristic zero if one restricts oneself to schurian algebras. Received: 5 October 1998