The purpose of the company is the direct or indirect acquisition, management and disposal of participations in Swiss and foreign companies. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, hold participations in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, and carry out all operations that are directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. Operations concerning real estate in Switzerland are limited to properties with exclusively commercial use, in compliance with the LFAIE. It may also borrow for its own account or for the account of third parties and provide guarantees and securities for subsidiaries and third parties. The company may grant loans to its direct or indirect associates or to other group companies, and create securities of any kind for their obligations towards third parties, including by pledging or assigning its own assets or guarantees of any kind, even if these loans or securities are in the exclusive interest of its direct or indirect associates or other group companies, and are granted free of charge.