The purpose of the company is to acquire, finance, hold and manage as well as sell participations in other companies of any kind in Switzerland or abroad, as well as real estate, with the exception of transactions prohibited by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (BewG). The company may exploit, evaluate and manage any intellectual property rights and know-how, and conduct financial, trust and investment business. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.