The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage as well as to exploit corporate participations and to carry out all business related thereto. The company may establish branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies, acquire, manage and sell patents, licenses, real estate and securities. The company may engage in 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.