The purpose of the company is the worldwide distribution and trade of all types of raw materials on its own account or on behalf of others, including transportation, storage, and packaging. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries, both domestically and abroad, participate in other companies, both domestically and abroad, assume representations, and conduct all business and enter into all contracts that may be suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related thereto. It may acquire, hold, encumber, and sell real estate, both domestically and abroad. The company may grant direct or indirect financings to its direct or indirect subsidiaries and to third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and provide security for obligations of such companies in any form, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether or not for consideration.