The company's purpose is the administration and conservation of participation rights, in particular shares, as well as the assistance and representation of the holders of these rights, in particular shareholders. It may carry out all financial and commercial transactions, participate in all enterprises or activities in Switzerland and abroad, establish branches or subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad in connection with its purpose, excluding real estate acquisitions and participations. It may also finance other companies, in particular grant direct or indirect financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries as well as to third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, for their own commitments as well as for those of other companies (including direct or indirect shareholders of the company or companies in which these shareholders have a direct or indirect participation).