The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold and manage participations in companies, to carry out financing activities of any kind, as well as to acquire, permanently manage, protect and dispose of intellectual property rights, and to provide services to group companies in Switzerland and worldwide abroad. The company may acquire, encumber, manage and dispose of real estate, establish subsidiaries and branches, and participate in other companies, as well as conduct all business that is connected with its purpose and the investment of its assets. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, and grant securities for liabilities of affiliated companies and third parties.