The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad, which are particularly active in the chemical industry. The company is part of the Ashland Group and, to the extent permitted, aligns its business activities with the group's goals. Accordingly, the company may, in its own interest or in the interest of the group or individual group companies in Switzerland or abroad (including their direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries), conclude contracts and, in particular, grant loans or participate in cash pooling or other financings to such group companies and provide security of any kind for their liabilities, including by way of pledges or security assignments and transfers of the company's assets or by way of guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and acquire, participate in, hold, sell or finance any type of business. The company may acquire, hold and sell real estate. It may carry out all commercial, financial or other transactions or activities that are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose and take all necessary measures that serve the company's purpose and promote or are related to it.