In Switzerland and abroad, the acquisition, sale, holding and management of participations in all types of companies and enterprises, excluding participations in companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland (prohibited by the LFAIE). The company may grant loans, either for consideration or free of charge, to its direct or indirect shareholders or to other group companies and provide them with guarantees of any kind. It may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all financial, commercial, movable or immovable transactions directly or indirectly related to its corporate purpose and take an interest, in any form, in all enterprises having a direct or indirect connection with its stated purpose. The company may also establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad.