The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage participations in companies of all kinds and specifically trade in all forms in Switzerland and abroad for its own account and for the account of third parties, as well as to carry out all business related thereto. Furthermore, the company may assume trust functions of all kinds and manage assets of all kinds. The company may also participate in, found, acquire and merge with other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad. It may acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and may establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad by resolution of the board of directors. In addition, it may grant securities and guarantees for the benefit of its shareholders or other group companies, and grant loans to its shareholders or other group companies.