The Company's purpose is the acquisition, holding, management, disposal and exploitation of intellectual property rights such as trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, inventions and patents, processes, graphics, designs, know-how and any other intangible property related to intellectual property or industrial property rights, licenses related to these rights, and all rights related to technology or information transfers related to industrial, commercial or scientific experiences, or any similar absolute or relative right. The Company also aims to research and develop manufacturing and production processes in the cement industry, as well as to protect all resulting outcomes. The Company may, in general, carry out all financial, commercial or other operations directly or indirectly related to its purpose. To this end, the Company may, in Switzerland and abroad, create branches and subsidiaries, acquire or create similar companies. It may acquire, hold, dispose of and manage real estate in Switzerland or abroad. Furthermore, the Company may carry out all operations necessary to promote its development and the achievement of its purpose. The Company may execute financing operations, grant loans to third parties as well as to group companies and direct or indirect shareholders of the Company, and provide securities of any kind for its own commitments or for the commitments of the aforementioned companies vis-à-vis third parties, including pledges, security transfers and guarantees, even if these loans or securities are in the exclusive interest of the aforementioned companies and are granted without the Company receiving remuneration in return. In addition, it may conclude cash pooling contracts with other group companies.