The company's purpose is to acquire, manage, trade and dispose of participations of all kinds. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and may 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, dispose of and manage intellectual property rights and real estate in Switzerland and abroad. In particular, it may provide financing for its own account or for the account of others and may provide guarantees and sureties for indirect and direct subsidiaries and third parties. It may also grant loans or other financing, with or without consideration, directly or indirectly to its affiliated companies and provide securities of all kinds.