The company's purpose is to research, develop, manufacture and market, as well as provide management, consulting and service activities, in the field of pharmaceutical, biological, biotechnological and diagnostic products and services. The company may enter into any business and conclude contracts, as well as undertake anything that directly or indirectly promotes the company's purpose or falls within the company's business area. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in companies in Switzerland and abroad, take over representations, arrange financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, acquire, hold, manage, encumber and sell real estate, as well as acquire, exploit, encumber and sell patents, licenses and other intellectual property. The company may take financing, restructuring and intercession measures in favor of group companies or third parties, including granting them loans or securities.