The company's purpose is to operate publishing and sub-publishing businesses, acquire and sell copyrights and publishing rights to literary and artistic works, as well as exploit, grant and accept licenses for such works in Switzerland and abroad, operate art galleries and trade in art objects. 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. 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 provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.