The purpose of the company is to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of participations in companies as well as to finance such companies. The company may grant and take out loans and credits and, in particular, provide guarantees and securities in favor of affiliated companies. The company may operate in Switzerland and abroad, establish branches there, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, acquire or merge with similar or related companies, and enter into all transactions and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or are directly or indirectly related to it.