The purpose of the company is to invest in financial instruments and affiliated companies, as well as to hold, manage, acquire and dispose of participations in enterprises in Switzerland and abroad, and to carry out financial activities of any kind. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, hold and dispose of real estate. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the purpose of the company. In particular, the company may grant direct or indirect financing to third parties, including direct or indirect shareholders of the company or companies in which they are involved, whether by way of loans or other financing or by providing security of any kind, whether against payment or not, and conclude cash pooling agreements with other group companies.