The company's purpose is to trade in, import, export and distribute iron-containing and non-iron-containing metals as well as chemical products. The company may enter into any business and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related to it. The company may acquire, encumber, manage and dispose of securities. It may acquire, manage and exploit intellectual property rights. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties. Furthermore, it may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies or merge with them.