The company's purpose is to acquire, sell, hold and manage participations. The company may also conduct any business that is suitable to promote or facilitate the development of the company and its subsidiaries and the achievement of the company's purpose, in particular to carry out all commercial and financial transactions that promote the realization of its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.