The company's purpose is to conduct research and development, manufacture and distribute products of all kinds in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The company may also participate in, found, acquire and merge with other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. It may acquire, encumber and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by decision of the Board of Directors. The company may also provide securities and guarantees for its shareholders or other group companies, and grant loans to its shareholders or other group companies.