The company's purpose is to invest in, acquire, hold, dispose of and manage participations in Swiss or foreign companies. The company may carry out all operations and activities directly or indirectly related to this purpose and take a direct or indirect interest in them. It may also, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, carry out all financial, commercial and securities transactions directly or indirectly related to its purpose or likely to promote it. Furthermore, the company may grant loans or other financial services to its direct or indirect associates, its direct or indirect subsidiaries and third parties, and provide guarantees of any kind on its assets, including by way of pledges or fiduciary transfers, or by providing guarantees of any kind, to secure the obligations of its direct or indirect associates, its direct or indirect subsidiaries or third parties. The company may establish subsidiaries and branches in Switzerland and abroad.