The company's purpose is to acquire, manage, hold and sell participations. 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 acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, grant loans and other financing to shareholders or third parties (including direct and indirect subsidiaries and sister companies), and provide collateral of any kind for the liabilities of shareholders or third parties (including direct and indirect subsidiaries and sister companies), whether or not for consideration.