The company's purpose is the trade of goods, in particular food and pharmaceutical products; the long-term participation in commercial and industrial companies, the acquisition, management, holding, administration and sale of participations and shares of companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, sell, build, rent, encumber and manage real estate, both in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also grant loans on its own account or on behalf of third parties, as well as provide guarantees to subsidiaries and third parties.