The company's purpose is to acquire, purchase, sell, hold, encumber and manage participations of all kinds. The company may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad, acquire, hold, manage, encumber and sell intellectual property rights, real estate and securities. The company may carry out all commercial, financial and other activities that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related thereto. 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.