The purpose of the company, both in Switzerland and abroad, is the acquisition, holding, management, consulting, administration and realization of participations in all kinds of companies, excluding companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland, as well as the holding and exploitation of all franchises, licenses, patents and trademarks. The company may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all financial, commercial, industrial and securities transactions in Switzerland and abroad, directly or indirectly related to the main object. It may also establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The company may also grant loans to its shareholders and/or guarantee, endorse or support loans granted by third parties to its shareholders.