The company's purpose is to carry out all activities and provide services and advice, as well as to effect and take participations, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, in all mobile or immovable transactions, except for transactions governed by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners; the company may also: establish branches in Switzerland and abroad and grant loans to its shareholders or third parties if it serves its interests; take participations in any companies, acquire or create such companies, carry out all financial, commercial or industrial, mobile or immovable transactions that have a direct or indirect connection with its purpose.