The company's purpose is to acquire and manage participations, carry out financial transactions of all kinds, and in particular to take up and grant loans. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide securities for the liabilities of affiliated companies.