The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage, as well as to sell participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies. The company is authorized to acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. Furthermore, the company may conduct all commercial, financial and other business activities that are intended and suitable to promote or facilitate the development of the company and the achievement of its purpose, including issuing guarantees, granting guarantees and providing other securities of all kinds, as well as granting and holding licenses and other intellectual property rights.