The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, and dispose of interests in domestic and foreign companies, take over businesses, manage the group of companies, and provide services within and outside the group. It may acquire, manage, encumber, and dispose of real estate, patents, licenses, and other intangible assets in Switzerland and abroad (in Switzerland, excluding transactions subject to the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad), as well as make financings for its own or third-party account and provide guarantees in favor of affiliated companies or third parties. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and conduct all business directly or indirectly related to its purpose. It may also make financings for its own or third-party account and provide securities for liabilities of affiliated companies and third parties.