The company's purpose is to trade in raw materials and derivatives of all kinds, in particular coal and related products, as well as pharmaceutical and medical products, medical technology and medical equipment. Furthermore, the company can take on logistical tasks, conduct mediations, organize and implement construction work, as well as build industrial and residential buildings abroad. In addition, it can enter into joint ventures, conduct brokerage business, grant, evaluate and acquire licenses. The company can establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company can acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad and conduct all business that is connected with or suitable for promoting the purpose. The company directs its business activities, to the extent permitted, towards the group's goals. Accordingly, the company can conclude contracts in the interest of the group or individual group companies (including their direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries) and in particular grant loans or other financing to such group companies and provide security of all kinds for their liabilities, including by way of pledges on or security assignments and security transfers of the company's assets or by way of guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not.