The company's purpose is to acquire, hold, manage, finance and exploit participations, as well as to acquire, manage and dispose of assets of all kinds. The company may enter into any business and conclude contracts that are suitable to promote the purpose of the company or that are directly or indirectly related thereto. Furthermore, it may establish branch offices in Switzerland and abroad, participate in or merge with other companies. It 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 grant guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.