The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and sell participations in any form in other companies, enterprises and consortia in Switzerland and abroad. The company may undertake all activities directly or indirectly related to the company's purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. (However, real estate in Switzerland or participations in real estate companies and enterprises with real estate in Switzerland may only be acquired in accordance with the rules established by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners, LAFE). It may raise financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as accept guarantees and pledges for affiliated companies and third parties.