The purpose of the company is to acquire, manage and dispose of participations of all kinds in companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as to grant, manage and exploit intellectual property rights, in particular licenses. The company is authorized to acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. Furthermore, the company may conduct all business that is suitable to promote the development of the company and achieve its purpose. The company may grant direct or indirect financing to its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and provide security of all kinds for the liabilities of such companies, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether remunerated or not.