The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and sell participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may grant loans or other financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries and third parties, and provide security of all kinds for liabilities of such other companies and third parties, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of assets of the companies or guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not, even if such loans, financing or security are in the exclusive interest of other group companies.