The company's purpose is to acquire and manage participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. It may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, acquire or merge with similar or related companies, and enter into any business and conclude any contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or are directly or indirectly related thereto. It may acquire, hold, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad (in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad, BewG), grant loans and take up credits. It may also carry out financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees and sureties for third parties.