Research and development, manufacturing and marketing of products and installations for the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, chemical, cosmetic and food industries; the company may establish branches and subsidiaries and may participate in other companies, both in Switzerland and abroad, and in general, engage in any activity directly or indirectly related to its purpose; the company may acquire, hold and dispose of real estate both in Switzerland and abroad; it may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all financial transactions as well as provide guarantees or guarantees for subsidiaries or third parties.