The purpose of the company is to hold and manage participations in domestic and foreign companies, as well as to manage and finance them. The company is authorized to establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, establish, hold, finance and manage participations in companies and enterprises at home and abroad. The company may acquire, hold, exploit or purchase patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights as well as license rights thereto. The company may acquire, hold and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities which are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the company. The company may grant loans to other affiliated companies or provide other forms of financing and provide collateral of any kind for their obligations, including by pledging, fiduciary transfer or assignment of the company's assets or by guarantees and sureties of any kind, with or without compensation.