The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and sell participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds, as well as to conduct commercial transactions. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. Furthermore, it may acquire, manage and sell securities, take out and grant loans. 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, enter into guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties, and acquire, hold, exploit and sell patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights or licenses.