Acquiring, holding and managing participations in other companies and enterprises in Switzerland and abroad; may participate in other companies, assume representations, acquire, hold and sell real estate, provide financing for direct or indirect subsidiaries as well as for third parties, including their direct or indirect shareholders and their direct or indirect subsidiaries; may enter into any kind of security for liabilities of such affiliated companies, including pledges on or fiduciary assignments of the company's assets or guarantees of any kind, with or without consideration.