The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds, as well as to carry out all trade and financial transactions directly or indirectly related thereto. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies, acquire or establish similar or related companies, and conduct all business and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or are directly or indirectly related thereto. The company may also acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad, provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, and grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.