The purpose of the company is to hold and manage participations. The company may conduct all business that is suitable to promote or facilitate the development of the company and the achievement of its purpose. 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, broker and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, or broker such financing, and grant guarantees and sureties for the benefit of its subsidiaries and third parties.