The company's purpose is to hold and manage participations. The company may also participate in other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad, establish, acquire and merge with them. It may acquire, encumber and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by decision of the Board of Directors. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the purpose of the company. The company may also grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect parent company, as well as to all other group companies or third parties, and provide security of any kind for liabilities of such other companies or third parties, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not.