The purpose of the company is to hold, manage and dispose of participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may conduct all commercial and financial transactions that are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose or are suitable for promoting it. It may merge with other companies, establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, as well as acquire, manage and sell real estate. Furthermore, the company may grant loans or other financing to other group companies and provide security of any kind for the liabilities of such other companies, in particular in the form of guarantees of any kind and pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets.