The Company's purpose, as a holding company, is to invest in, acquire, hold, sell and manage participations in Swiss or foreign companies, excluding companies (with their registered office in Switzerland) whose purpose is the acquisition of real estate within the meaning of the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners (LFAIE). The Company may carry out all operations directly or indirectly related to this purpose and may take a direct or indirect interest in them. It may also, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, carry out all financial, commercial and securities transactions, directly or indirectly related to its purpose or likely to promote it. Furthermore, the Company may grant loans or other financial assistance to its direct or indirect shareholders, direct or indirect subsidiaries and third parties, and provide guarantees of any kind on its assets, including by way of pledge or fiduciary transfer, or by way of guarantees of any kind, to secure the obligations of its direct or indirect shareholders, direct or indirect subsidiaries or third parties. The Company may establish subsidiaries and branches in Switzerland and abroad. The Company may also make all investments, movable or immovable, on its own account.