The assumption and management on its own behalf of shareholdings in companies and entities in any form and to any extent, regardless of their location (in Switzerland and abroad) and their corporate purpose, i.e., the activity of acquiring, holding, and managing rights, whether or not represented by securities. The exercise of shipping activities, the buying, selling, and leasing of ships. The control, consulting, and coordination of the activities carried out by the subsidiaries. The provision of technical, organizational, financial, and administrative assistance services to companies directly or indirectly controlled. The Company may also enter into cash pooling agreements with other companies in the group and may, furthermore, carry out any financial transaction, including the assumption of loans of any kind and nature, including the issuance of guarantees, sureties, or securities in favor of the companies in the group. It may also grant financing to shareholders. The purchase, administration, sale, exploitation of trademarks, patents, and licenses as well as industrial and intellectual property of any kind. It may in general carry out any other activity connected with the corporate purpose.