The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, sell, trade and finance participations in other companies. The company may also provide direct and indirect financing (e.g. through loans) to direct or indirect parent companies and their direct and indirect subsidiaries, as well as to third parties. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and 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. It may also provide financing on its own account or on behalf of third parties, and grant securities for liabilities of affiliated companies.