The company's purpose is to acquire and manage participations in all forms in all commercial, industrial, financial and real estate companies, excluding operations prohibited by the Federal Act of December 16, 1983 on the acquisition of real estate by foreigners (LFAIE), in Switzerland and abroad; in addition, it may grant loans or guarantees to shareholders or third parties if it serves its interests. The company may also: a) carry out all commercial, financial, movable or real estate transactions, the latter provided they are not subject to the Federal Act on the acquisition of real estate by foreigners of December 16, 1983 (LFAIE); b) in general, carry out all operations having a direct or indirect connection with the company's purpose in Switzerland and abroad. The company may have subsidiaries or establish branches in Switzerland and abroad.