The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also participate in other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad, establish, acquire and merge with them. It may acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by resolution of the board of directors. Furthermore, the company may acquire, manage and sell securities. The company may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as enter into 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 securities of any kind for their liabilities to third parties.