The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold and manage as well as sell participations. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, hold and sell real estate. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the purpose of the company. The company may conduct financing transactions, grant loans and other direct or indirect financing to third parties as well as to companies in which it is directly or indirectly involved, and to the direct and indirect shareholders of the company and companies in which such shareholders are directly or indirectly involved, and provide security of all kinds for their liabilities to third parties, including pledges, security assignments and guarantees, even if these loans or securities are granted in the exclusive interest of companies in which it is directly or indirectly involved, their direct or indirect shareholders or companies in which such shareholders are directly or indirectly involved and are provided free of charge.