The purpose of the company is to acquire, manage (primarily long-term management), encumber and sell significant participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as to finance companies in which the company is involved. Furthermore, the company may acquire, manage, encumber and sell all types of securities and intellectual property rights, and carry out the associated financing and management, as well as the associated trust services and other services. In addition, the company may grant loans to its parent company (or to other group companies) or to other corporate groups, and provide guarantees or all other types of collateral that secure the obligations of the parent company (or other group companies). It may also carry out financings on its own account or on behalf of third parties, and provide collateral of all kinds, including in favor of third parties, whether paid or unpaid. Finally, the company may acquire, hold, encumber, manage and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad, establish subsidiaries and branches, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose.