The company's purpose is to acquire and sell, as well as hold, finance and manage participations. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and may participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad as well as conduct all business directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, dispose of and manage real property in Switzerland and abroad, with the exception of transactions prohibited by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (BewG). The company may grant direct or indirect financing to its direct or indirect subsidiaries as well as to third parties, including its direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries, provide security for its own liabilities and those of other companies (including direct or indirect shareholders of the company or companies in which these shareholders are directly or indirectly involved) of any kind, including by pledging or fiduciary transfer or assignment of the company's assets, or provide guarantees, enter into sureties or otherwise secure or guarantee the obligations of these other companies, whether for a fee or not.