The company's purpose is to operate public establishments and trade in all products. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries and may participate in other companies, both in Switzerland and abroad, and in general, carry out any activity directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, hold and dispose of real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all financial transactions as well as act as guarantor or provide guarantees for subsidiaries or third parties.