The company's purpose is the permanent management of participations. The company may grant loans or other financings to shareholders, either against payment or free of charge, and provide collateral of any kind for the liabilities of such other companies, including by way of pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or by way of guarantees of any kind. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as 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, as well as enter into guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.