development, production and marketing of food products for specific medical needs and food in general; management of licenses, patents and related rights; purchase, sale and management of participations. The company may provide financial assistance to its affiliated companies, i.e. direct or indirect subsidiaries, direct or indirect sister companies, or direct and indirect parent companies, including by granting loans, advances, guarantees or securities in any form, whether or not against remuneration. The company may carry out in Switzerland and abroad, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all commercial, financial or real estate transactions (except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE) directly or indirectly related to its purpose, take participations in all commercial, industrial or financial enterprises (except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE), create branches in Switzerland and abroad. The company is authorized to take financing, restructuring and intercession measures for the benefit of shareholders, group companies or third parties, as well as to grant loans or guarantees to shareholders, group companies or third parties when it serves its interests.