The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, utilize and sell participations in and finance domestic and foreign companies, directly or indirectly. Furthermore, the company's purpose is to provide management and financing activities as well as investments in Switzerland and abroad. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as carry out all legal transactions and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, hold, manage, encumber, utilize and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees, sureties and securities of all kinds for affiliated companies and third parties, or otherwise secure or guarantee obligations of these companies.