The acquisition and management of participations of all kinds in Swiss or foreign companies, excluding participations in companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland. 2 The Company may acquire, operate and dispose of patents, trademarks and all technical and industrial knowledge, as well as any industrial property rights; establish branches or found subsidiaries, whether in Switzerland or abroad. 3 It may also participate in all commercial, financial or industrial operations that relate directly or indirectly to its purpose or promote its development. The Company may also participate in group financing, in particular by granting loans to its direct or indirect shareholders (including participants) or to other group entities or by granting guarantees or securities of any kind to third parties to secure the obligations of other group companies. 4 The Company may also engage in all activities directly or indirectly related to the above-mentioned purpose and offer a centralized billing system to meet the specific needs of its customers.