The development, distribution and maintenance of software in the fields of pathology, toxicology and bioinformatics, including validation and consulting, as well as other services in the field of preclinical drug testing, industrial testing of chemicals and environmental protection. The company may also hold participations in companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad, establish such companies, acquire or merge with them. It may acquire, manage, encumber and dispose of real estate or intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, as well as establish branches or agencies in Switzerland and abroad on decision of the board of directors. The company may engage in any commercial, financial or other activity related to its purpose. Furthermore, it may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect shareholders as well as to all other group companies and may provide guarantees of any kind for the obligations of said companies and shareholders, including by way of pledges, assignments or transfers of assets for security purposes or other guarantees of any kind, for consideration or not.