The company may participate in other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad, establish, acquire and merge with them. It may acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, as well as establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad. It may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, for consideration or free of charge, and provide security of any kind for the liabilities of such group companies, including guarantees, pledges and fiduciary transfers of the company's assets. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the purpose of the company.