The company's purpose is to hold and manage participations. 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. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for its subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other companies within the group and provide security of any kind for their liabilities to third parties, including by pledging or assigning its own assets or providing guarantees of any kind, even if such loans or securities are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.