The purpose of the company is to operate all types of direct and indirect insurance as well as all related businesses, with the exception of direct life insurance. The company may also participate in, establish, acquire or merge with other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, encumber, manage or dispose of real estate and intangible assets in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as guarantees, sureties and other security transactions for other group companies. It may grant loans or credits to its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies, conclude cash pooling agreements with them, and provide security of any kind for their liabilities and obligations to third parties, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind.