Manufacturing, processing and/or transformation of chemical, pharmaceutical, biological, veterinary, agrochemical and cosmetic products, compositions, raw materials and intermediates of all kinds; research and trials in the field of all aforementioned products, compositions, raw materials and intermediates; carrying out of tests, investigations and controls of all kinds; trade worldwide in the field of the aforementioned products, compositions, raw materials and intermediates; acquisition and exploitation of relevant patents, trademarks and licenses; provision of services as well as commercial and technical consulting in connection with the aforementioned activities; participations; acquisition of mortgages; acquisition, encumbrance and disposal of real estate; the company may grant intra-group loans to its direct or indirect shareholders as well as to other associated companies and provide guarantees or securities of all kinds for liabilities of these companies to other group companies or third parties, even if these loans, guarantees or securities are provided without consideration; participation in cash poolings with other group companies.