The acquisition and management of participations in all companies, excluding operations prohibited by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners (LFAIE), as well as the provision of advice in all areas, including investment advice, excluding however all advice on the secondary market and all advice related to the issuance of units of collective investment schemes, in Switzerland or abroad. The company may establish branches or subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, and acquire, hold and dispose of participations both in Switzerland and abroad. The company may provide financial assistance to its branches, sister or parent companies, including providing loans, advances, guarantees or securities of all kinds, for consideration or free of charge. The company may also carry out all operations that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose and that promote or facilitate its development.