The purpose of the company is to acquire, manage and sell participations in Swiss and foreign companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, as well as acquire, hold, manage, encumber, enforce or sell real estate, securities and intellectual property rights (in particular patents, trademarks, licenses and technical and industrial know-how). The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect parent company and direct or indirect subsidiaries, or provide other financial services, and may pledge securities of all kinds, in particular by way of pledge or transfer of assets, or by providing guarantees of all kinds, with or without consideration.