The company's purpose is to engage in domestic and international trade (including via the internet or television) as well as the distribution and import and export of steel, cotton and raw iron on its own account and on behalf of or for the account of third parties or on order. Furthermore, it aims to acquire, hold, manage, direct and dispose of as well as finance participations in domestic and foreign companies. The company may establish branches, agencies and subsidiaries in Switzerland and/or abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and/or abroad, acquire or establish similar or related businesses, acquire, hold, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and/or abroad, and conduct all commercial, financial or other transactions that are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose. In addition, the company may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries as well as to third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders, for consideration or free of charge, and provide security of any kind for the liabilities of such persons or group companies, including guarantees, pledges and fiduciary transfers of the company's assets, as well as perform management tasks, also for the benefit or in the interest of affiliated companies, and make investments of other kinds.