The purpose of the company is the purchase, sale, distribution, promotion and, in general, the trade of chemical products. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, hold participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as carry out all operations that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. Operations concerning real estate in Switzerland are limited to properties with exclusively commercial use, in compliance with the LFAIE. It may also contract loans for its own account or for the account of third parties and provide guarantees and securities for subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect associates, or to other group companies, and create securities of any kind for their commitments to third parties, including by pledging or assigning its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if these loans or securities are in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect associates, or other group companies and are granted free of charge.