Production and processing of steel and similar or related products as well as trade in steel, iron goods and related products; the company may also take up the manufacture and trade of other products; participations; acquisition, encumbrance and sale of real estate; furthermore, grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and provide security of all kinds for their liabilities to third parties, including by pledging or assigning its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if these loans or securities are granted free of charge.