The purpose of the company is the acquisition, management, holding and disposal of participations of all kinds in Switzerland and abroad. The company may participate in the founding, development, management and control of a company or business. It may also invest in the acquisition and management of a portfolio of patents or other intellectual property rights of any kind or origin. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as conduct all business 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 subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect shareholders or other companies within the group and provide collateral of all kinds for their liabilities to third parties, including by way of pledge or security assignment of its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if these loans or collateral are granted in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect shareholders or other group companies and are provided free of charge.