The purpose of the company is the establishment, acquisition, and sale as well as the management of participations both domestically and abroad. The company may establish subsidiaries and branches and may participate in other companies. The company may acquire, hold, encumber, and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights. The company may also engage in all commercial, financial, and other activities that are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the company. The company may grant loans and other direct or indirect financings to affiliated companies and third parties, including their (direct and indirect) shareholders as well as their affiliated companies, and may provide security for their liabilities of any kind, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether or not for consideration.