The company's purpose is to trade in securities of all kinds in Switzerland and abroad on its own account. The company may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad and acquire, hold, manage and sell participations in other Swiss and foreign companies. It may also acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad, provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties, and acquire, hold and sell patents, licenses and securities in Switzerland and abroad.