to acquire, manage, hold, administer and dispose of direct or indirect participations in all companies, both in Switzerland and abroad. It may finance these companies as well as other group companies, supervise them and provide them with any commercial, financial, administrative and legal advice. The company may also carry out all operations that may promote or facilitate the development of the company and the achievement of its social purpose. In particular, the company may - excluding operations prohibited by the LFAIE - acquire, manage and sell real estate, patents, models, trademarks and licenses in Switzerland and abroad. The company may establish branches, both in Switzerland and abroad.