The purpose of the company is to hold and manage participations as well as to provide management services to group companies. The company may acquire, hold, manage and sell participations, real estate and patents. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may conduct business with related parties, in particular with its direct and indirect shareholders as well as other group companies, notably grant loans to these persons or provide guarantees, sureties or pledges to secure their liabilities. The company may acquire, manage, encumber and dispose of properties and participations in Switzerland and abroad. The company may enter into any business and conclude any contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or are directly or indirectly related to it.