The company's purpose is the production, acquisition, sale, administration of participations, management and financing of companies of any kind, in Switzerland and abroad, excluding real estate participations subject to authorization under the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners. It may: carry out any financial, commercial and industrial activity directly or indirectly related to its purpose; create branches or subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad; participate in any companies having a direct or indirect relationship with its purpose; grant loans or guarantees to shareholders or third parties, if this promotes its interests.