The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations in other companies of any kind, both domestically and abroad. The company may also establish, acquire and merge with other companies of any kind, both domestically and abroad. It may acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights, both domestically and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by resolution of the board of directors. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with its purpose. Furthermore, the company may grant loans or other financing to its (direct or indirect) shareholders and to other group companies, and provide security of any kind for the obligations of such other companies, including by way of pledges, security assignments or security transfers or guarantees of any kind, for consideration or gratuitously.