The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as 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 its subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or to other companies within the group and provide security for their liabilities to third parties, including by way of pledge or assignment of its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if such loans or securities are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.