Acquisition, holding, management and disposal of participations in domestic and foreign companies of all kinds. May also participate in other companies of any kind in Switzerland and abroad, establish, acquire and merge with them, acquire, encumber and dispose of real estate and intellectual property rights in Switzerland and abroad, and by resolution of the board of directors establish branches and agencies in Switzerland or abroad, provide securities for its shareholders or other group companies and grant guarantees, as well as grant loans to its shareholders or other group companies.