The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold and manage participations, as well as all activities permitted in connection therewith. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies or merge with them. The company may, also without adequate consideration, conduct business with or for the benefit of related persons, in particular its shareholders and other group companies, notably grant loans to these persons or provide guarantees, sureties, pledges or other securities to secure their liabilities. The company may acquire, hold, manage, encumber and sell real estate in Switzerland and abroad. The company may conduct all business, enter into obligations and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the company's purpose and the development of the enterprise, or that are directly or indirectly related thereto.