to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of direct and indirect participations in all types of companies, in particular commercial, industrial, financial and real estate companies, as well as the financing of affiliated companies, in Switzerland and abroad. It may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all financial, commercial, movable or real estate transactions directly or indirectly related to its corporate purpose and take an interest, in any form, in all companies having a direct or indirect relationship with its corporate purpose. The company may also participate in the financing of group companies and, in particular, grant loans, either for consideration or free of charge, to its direct or indirect associates or to other group companies, as well as to third parties, and provide guarantees of any kind for the obligations of third parties, even if these loans or guarantees are granted exclusively in the interest of the direct or indirect associates or other group companies and without consideration. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. Furthermore, the company may also conclude 'cash pooling' contracts with other group companies.