The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage as well as to sell participations in domestic and foreign companies. The company may conduct any business that contributes to the promotion of the company and is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. It may establish branch offices in Switzerland and abroad. Furthermore, 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 enter into guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.