The company exists for the purpose of acquiring and managing participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as financing them. The company may establish and participate in branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, and 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 participate directly or indirectly in group financing, in particular, it may grant loans to group companies or provide guarantees, sureties or other securities of any kind for their liabilities to third parties, even if these loans or securities are in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are granted free of charge.