The purpose of the company is the acquisition and management of participations. The company may also carry out all legal transactions that directly or indirectly serve the purpose of the company. The company may establish branches and, to the extent that the statutory provisions are fulfilled, acquire, manage and dispose of real estate. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the purpose of the company. It may, whether for consideration or not, carry out transactions in the interest of shareholders of the company or other group companies, in particular grant them loans, conclude cash pooling agreements with them and provide security for their liabilities to third parties.