The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, sell, manage, direct and finance companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, manage and transfer patents, trademarks and technical and industrial know-how, acquire, manage and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad, and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad. It may also establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may participate in group financing, in particular by granting loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies, or by providing guarantees or other securities of any kind for their liabilities to third parties, even if these loans or securities are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.