The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and dispose of participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries and third parties and provide security of all kinds for liabilities of such other companies and third parties, including by way of pledges or fiduciary transfers of assets of the companies or guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not, even if such loans, financing or security are in the exclusive interest of other group companies.