The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations in companies in Switzerland and abroad, excluding participations in real estate companies that fall under the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for its subsidiaries and third parties.