The company's purpose is to acquire, sell and manage participations in companies of all kinds, to exercise management and consulting functions, as well as to acquire, rent, manage and sell properties and plots of land. 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. Furthermore, it may acquire, manage and sell securities, take out and grant loans. The company may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, enter into guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties, as well as acquire, hold, exploit and sell patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights or licenses.