The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and exploit participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and 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 also acquire, hold, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, develop, register or exploit patents, trademarks, licenses and manufacturing processes and intellectual property rights, or sell them. The company may grant loans and other direct and indirect financing to its direct and indirect subsidiaries and third parties, including its direct and indirect shareholders, including but not limited to cash pooling liabilities, and provide security for the obligations of these parties, including through pledges or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets, as well as through guarantees of any kind, whether remunerated or not.