The company's purpose is to acquire and permanently manage participations in other companies, provide asset management, acquire, manage and exploit procedures, patents and licenses, as well as carry out all business activities related to these objectives. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business activities that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose. 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 grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.