The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and sell participations in companies of all kinds in Switzerland and abroad, as well as to provide related services. The company manages and develops the participations within the framework of a group of companies and ensures the provision of the financial and organizational prerequisites for the management of a group of companies. The company may conduct all other business that falls within its scope and may take all measures that promote or facilitate the achievement of the company's purpose. The company may also engage in any other commercial, financial or other activity that is related to the company's purpose. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad (in Switzerland, excluding transactions subject to the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad). It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.