The purpose of the company is to hold and manage participations and to acquire and dispose of such participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as to finance affiliated companies. The company may also enter into all transactions and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or are directly or indirectly related to it. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in, acquire or merge with other companies in Switzerland and abroad. It may provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties. The company may acquire, encumber, manage or dispose of real estate and licenses in Switzerland and abroad, as well as acquire, exploit or dispose of patents, trademarks, design rights, copyrights and other intellectual property rights in any form.