The company's purpose, both in Switzerland and abroad, for its own account or for the account of third parties or in participation with them, is to carry out all operations directly or indirectly related to the acquisition of participations in any form, in any company (but for those with real estate activities in Switzerland, exclusively companies limited to the acquisition of commercial properties), as well as the administration, management, control, and development of these participations, in Switzerland and abroad. The company may use its funds to create, manage, develop, and liquidate a portfolio consisting of all securities and intellectual property rights of any origin, and participate in the creation, development, and control of any company. The company may acquire, hold, encumber, and dispose of real estate (but for those located in Switzerland, exclusively commercial properties) and intellectual property rights. The company may provide any assistance (through loans, advances, guarantees, securities, or otherwise) to companies or entities in which it holds a participation or which are part of the group of companies to which the company belongs (including, for example, its associates or related entities). In general, the company may also carry out any financial, commercial, industrial, movable, or real estate transaction, take all measures to protect its rights, and carry out all operations that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose or that promote its development. The company may borrow in any form, except through a public offering. It may proceed, solely through private placement, to issue shares, bonds, and other securities representing loans, convertible or not, and/or claims. It may also grant guarantees or securities in favor of third parties to guarantee its obligations or the obligations of its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or any other company. The company may also pledge, assign, encumber, or create, in any other manner, securities on all or part of its assets. The company will not engage in any operation or activity that requires prior authorization or recognition by a regulator without having obtained such authorization or recognition.