The company's purpose is to engage in global trade of goods of all kinds and to finance international projects. The company may also participate in, establish, acquire, merge with or take over other companies of any kind, both domestically and abroad. It may acquire, encumber and sell real estate and intellectual property rights, both domestically and abroad, and may establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by resolution of the board of directors. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with its purpose. Furthermore, it may grant loans to its (direct or indirect) shareholders or other group companies and may also secure its obligations towards third parties in any form, in particular through pledges, security assignments or security transfers or guarantees of all kinds, for consideration or gratuitously.