The company's purpose is to conduct research and development in the field of mineral oils and petroleum chemicals, as well as to provide related services. The company may engage in all commercial, contractual, and financial transactions that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related to it. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, and may participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, hold, and sell intellectual property rights and licenses of all kinds. The company may acquire, manage, and sell real estate. The company may provide direct or indirect financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries, as well as to third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and may provide security of all kinds for the obligations of such companies, including by way of pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether paid or unpaid.