The Company's purpose is the acquisition, holding, management and sale of participations in companies of any kind, in Switzerland or abroad (excluding real estate participations not permitted under the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners of December 16, 1983). The Company may also carry out any commercial and financial transaction and conclude any transaction that serves its purpose or is directly or indirectly related to it. The Company may grant loans or other financing to its shareholders (direct and indirect) or sister or affiliated companies, as well as provide any guarantees to secure the obligations of such shareholders and companies, including by creating pledges, by transferring the Company's assets in trust, or by issuing a guarantee of any kind.