The company's purpose is to hold and manage participations in other companies, as well as to provide related services and activities, and to conduct research, development and consulting in the scientific spectrum of new technologies and non-scientific areas. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and 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, as well as movable assets from technology, science and art. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, and grant guarantees and sureties for its subsidiaries and third parties.