The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, sell and finance participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may establish subsidiaries and branches in Switzerland and abroad. The company may conduct all business that is connected with the company's purpose and is suitable to support the company; in particular, the company may conduct financing transactions for itself or for third parties and grant guarantees or other securities. The company may participate in other companies of any kind or merge with them. It may acquire, encumber and sell real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad. The company may provide securities and guarantees for its shareholders or other group companies and grant loans to its shareholders or other group companies.