The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and sell participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds, as well as to provide services to these participation companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries, participate in or merge with other companies without adequate consideration, conduct business with or for the benefit of related parties, in particular its direct and indirect shareholders and other group companies, notably grant loans to these persons or provide guarantees, sureties, pledges or other securities to secure their liabilities. 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 guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.