The purpose of the company is to acquire and hold shares in service and trading companies, to manage, direct, administer, finance and participate in service and trading companies of all kinds, to use and exploit patent rights to goods, licenses, know-how and other intellectual property rights, and to manage assets. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as 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 for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.