The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, sell, trade and finance participations in other companies; as well as to provide related consulting and other services that serve to achieve this purpose. The company may ultimately conduct all economic and financial transactions that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related to it. 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 transactions that are 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 securities for the liabilities of affiliated companies.