Acquisition, holding, management and sale of participations of all kinds as well as acquisition, holding, management and sale of securities, real estate and other assets. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad, participate in, acquire or merge with other companies in Switzerland and abroad, provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, grant guarantees and warranties for subsidiaries and third parties, acquire, encumber, manage or sell real estate and licenses in Switzerland and abroad, and acquire, exploit or sell patents, trademarks, design rights, copyrights and other industrial property rights in any form.