The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage as well as sell participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad, and to provide consulting services to companies in Switzerland and abroad, in particular in connection with the acquisition, holding and management of participations. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, and grant guarantees and sureties for its subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other companies within the group, and provide security of any kind for their liabilities to third parties, including by way of pledge or assignment of its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if such loans or securities are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.