The Company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of interests in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, with the exception of companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland. It may, in particular, acquire, by subscription, purchase, exchange or any other means, shares, partnership interests, profit-sharing certificates, bonds, debt securities, deposit certificates and, in general, any financial instrument or security issued by public or private entities. The Company may also engage in commercial activities, import, export and distribution of goods of any kind, including but not limited to, wines and spirits, as well as the provision of related services. The Company may open branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in the creation, development, management and control of any business. The Company may grant direct or indirect financing to third parties, to companies in which it holds a direct or indirect interest, to direct or indirect partners or to companies in which the latter hold a direct or indirect interest through loans or other financing or by providing any type of guarantee, with or without consideration. Furthermore, it may enter into cash pooling agreements with other companies in the group. The Company may, directly or indirectly, acquire, encumber, hold, manage, liquidate, and sell real estate, with the exception of transactions prohibited by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (LFAIE), and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad. The Company may also engage in any commercial, financial or other activities, and take all appropriate measures, likely to promote the achievement of the Company's purpose or which are directly or indirectly related thereto.