The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, sell, trade and finance participations in other companies of all kinds, excluding all activities subject to authorization under Swiss financial market legislation. 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 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.