The company's purpose is the commerce, importation, and exportation of all types of products, the search for solutions and advice in the field of industry. It also aims at the operation and management of public establishments. The company may also engage in any other activity directly or indirectly related to these purposes; it may notably create branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, acquire companies with identical or similar purposes, or merge with such companies, carry out all operations and conclude all contracts suitable for developing and extending its purpose or directly or indirectly related thereto. It may also grant loans to shareholders or third parties, grant leasings, act as guarantor for loans subscribed by shareholders or third parties, guarantee its loans by the issuance or pledging of mortgage securities or by the subscription of any other financial commitment.