The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and dispose of domestic and foreign participations of all kinds; it may engage in activities related to participation management, such as asset management and capital investment. The company may grant direct or indirect loans or other financing to third parties and provide collateral of any kind, whether gratuitous or remunerated; third parties also include direct and indirect shareholders of the company as well as companies in which direct or indirect shareholders of the company are involved; may also conclude cash pooling agreements with other group companies. The company may acquire, manage and transfer patents, trademarks and technical and industrial know-how; the company may establish branches and subsidiaries abroad and conduct all business directly or indirectly related to the aforementioned purposes. The company may acquire, manage and dispose of real estate in Switzerland and abroad.