The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, sell and finance participations in companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, manage and sell licenses, patents and other intangible assets as well as real estate. It may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and conduct any business that is connected with or suitable to promote the purpose of the company. Furthermore, the company may grant loans and other financings to affiliated companies and individuals (including direct and indirect parent and sister companies, as well as companies affiliated with them) and provide securities for any obligations of these other companies and individuals, in particular in the form of guarantees, sureties, pledges and security assignments of the company's assets, whether for consideration or gratuitously.