to acquire, hold, manage and sell commercial, industrial and financial participations in other companies. The company may provide services and consulting, place available funds and grant loans or guarantees to shareholders or third parties. It may carry out all operations related to this activity as well as all operations likely to promote the purpose and interest of the company. It may create branches in Switzerland and abroad, participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, acquire companies with similar purposes, merge with such companies and conclude all contracts intended to develop or achieve its purpose or related thereto directly or indirectly. It may grant or receive loans from/in favor of its shareholders, as well as from/to all companies of the same group.