The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and utilize participations in other companies as well as to manage its own assets. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business directly or indirectly related to its purpose. Furthermore, it may acquire, manage and sell securities, take out and grant loans. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, enter into guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties, and acquire, hold, utilize and sell patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights or licenses.