The company's purpose is to conduct, process and strategically plan clinical trials worldwide, as well as to provide and develop technologies to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials and all related activities, such as the acquisition and brokerage of finished products, test kits, methods and software. The company is also authorized to participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, to establish branches and subsidiaries, and to enter into all transactions and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the company's purpose or are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide security for liabilities of affiliated companies.