The company's purpose is to acquire and permanently manage participations in companies of all kinds, as well as to finance companies affiliated with and closely related to the company, both domestically and abroad. Furthermore, the company may conduct any business that is suitable to promote or facilitate the development of the company and the achievement of its purpose. The company may issue bonds and take out loans. It may acquire, protect, exploit and sell intellectual property rights. It may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad. It may acquire, sell, encumber, develop, manage and rent real estate. The company is authorized to take financing, restructuring and intercession measures in favor of shareholders, group companies or third parties, as well as to grant loans to shareholders, group companies or third parties, if this is beneficial to the interest of one or all of the aforementioned persons.