The company's purpose is to trade in participations and hold participations; to take up and grant loans, provide guarantees and other securities; to acquire, manage and exploit intellectual property rights; and to trade in goods 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 that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.