Convert Branch to stand alone
 

I have a site (v1.6.3) that has 12 branches, each branch has their own database. One of the branches has really grown and they would now like to have 4 of their own branch sites.
So I have been ask to do either one of the following:
1. Leave the one existing branch as is and create 4 branches off the one branch.
2. Take one branch and make it stand alone with it's own domain name and create 4 branches off this new site.

I don't think option 1 is possible as there is no Branch module available within a branch site.
So does anyone have any experience with converting a branch site to a stand alone site or any idea on how to go about it?