The purpose of the company is the trade in goods of all kinds, in particular in the field of food as well as household and kitchen-related products, and the operation of retail and catering establishments. Furthermore, the company aims to acquire, manage and commercially exploit brands, patents and licenses. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries, assume representations and carry out any business activities and conclude contracts of any kind, which can promote the company's purpose or which are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose. It may acquire, hold, encumber and sell real estate both domestically and abroad. In particular, the company may grant loans and other direct or indirect financings to its direct and indirect subsidiaries and to third parties, including their direct and indirect shareholders and their direct and indirect subsidiaries, within the framework of cash pooling agreements, and provide securities of any kind for the liabilities of these parties, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether or not for valuable consideration.