The company's purpose is to acquire, sell and directly or indirectly hold and manage participations in companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, manage and transfer patents, trademarks and technical and industrial know-how, acquire, manage and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad, and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, establish branches and found subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose. The company may grant loans and other direct or indirect financing to group companies and third parties, including its (direct and indirect) shareholders and their group companies, including within the framework of cash pooling agreements, and provide security of any kind for their liabilities, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether remunerated or not.