The company's purpose is to acquire, manage, hold, exploit and sell participations, as well as to manage assets and carry out related business. The company may provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, provide financial support of any kind to its direct or indirect subsidiaries, in particular grant loans and provide securities or guarantees for the liabilities of these companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, and participate in, acquire, establish or merge with other companies in Switzerland and abroad. The company may acquire, encumber, hold and sell real estate. The company may engage in all commercial, financial and other activities that are connected with the company's purpose.