The company's purpose is to acquire, participate in, hold, sell and finance any type of business and can establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company is part of the Ashland Group and can participate in cash pooling, grant loans or other financing to other 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 guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not. The company can establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company can acquire, hold and sell real estate. The company can carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the company's purpose.