The company's purpose is to develop, manufacture, distribute and sell chemicals of all kinds, intermediate products, pharmaceuticals and medical preparations, as well as to develop and trade patents, trademarks, licenses, know-how and other industrial property rights and intellectual property rights. Additionally, the company provides consulting and other services that may support the overall purpose of the company, particularly in the financial and commercial sectors. The company may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies of any kind, take over representations, and enter into any business and conclude contracts that may be suitable to promote the purpose of the company, or that are directly or indirectly related to it. It may also enter into loans for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as guarantee and pledge transactions for affiliated companies and third parties. The company may acquire, lease, rent, encumber and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, hold, manage or sell any kind of debt or securities, within Switzerland or abroad.