The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations, including portfolio investments of all kinds, in Switzerland and abroad. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and may participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, dispose of and manage real property in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide security and guarantees for its shareholders, other group companies or third parties and grant financing to its shareholders, other group companies or third parties, for their own account or for the account of others, whether or not for a fee.