The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of investments and participations, excluding securities trading. The company may establish subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. It may acquire, hold, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights. The company may also carry out all financial and other (auxiliary) activities that are directly related to its purpose. The company is not permitted to carry out transactions that are not directly related to its purpose. In particular, the company is not permitted to establish branches abroad, conclude loan agreements for the benefit of third parties, grant guarantees, enter into sureties or provide other securities, or act as a professional financial intermediary.