The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and dispose of participations in other companies. The company may establish subsidiaries and branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, hold and manage intellectual property rights, and acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the company's purpose. Furthermore, it may grant loans to its (direct or indirect) shareholders or other group companies and also secure its obligations towards third parties in any form, in particular by way of pledges, security assignments or security transfers or guarantees of any kind, for consideration or free of charge.