The trade, distribution, import, export and promotion of pharmaceutical products as well as research and development in this field, including all activities related thereto; the company may acquire, hold or sell assets (including intellectual property rights) and participations and may acquire real estate in Switzerland and abroad; the company may grant direct or indirect financing to its direct and indirect subsidiaries as well as to third parties, including its direct and indirect shareholders and the direct or indirect subsidiaries of the latter, and may provide any kind of guarantee for the obligations of these companies, including pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or any kind of guarantees, for consideration or free of charge.