Acquisition and management of participations in other companies of any kind. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. It may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad, arrange financing for its own account or for third-party account, and provide guarantees and sureties for its subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other companies within the group and provide collateral of any kind for their liabilities to third parties, including by pledging or assigning its own assets or providing guarantees of any kind, even if such loans or collateral are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.