The company's purpose is to acquire and manage participations in companies, manage investments and assets, as well as develop, acquire, hold, sell and exploit intellectual property rights of all kinds; it can also trade in goods of all kinds. The company can 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 can acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It can also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, grant licenses and franchises, and provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.