The company's purpose is to participate in other companies. 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 operations. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage properties in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing, directly or indirectly, for its own account or for the account of third parties, and grant securities, including guarantees, sureties and pledges, also gratuitously and/or exclusively in the interest of affiliated companies, in particular within the framework of a cash pooling arrangement.