The company's purpose is to acquire, manage and sell participations in companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as 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. The company may grant loans or other financing to third parties, including its direct or indirect parent companies and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, and provide security of any kind for the liabilities of such other companies, including by way of pledges on or fiduciary transfers of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, whether against payment or not.