The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, direct and finance companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also participate in, found, acquire and merge with other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. It may acquire, encumber and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by decision of the board of directors. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the company's purpose. Furthermore, it may grant loans to its (direct or indirect) shareholders or other group companies and also secure its obligations towards third parties in any form, in particular through pledges, security assignments or security transfers or guarantees of any kind, for consideration or free of charge.