In Switzerland and abroad, the acquisition, sale, holding and management of participations in all types of companies and enterprises, as well as the realization of investments in these companies, excluding any participation in companies or enterprises holding residential real estate in Switzerland; it may carry out, either on its own account or on behalf of third parties, all commercial, financial, securities or real estate transactions (except for transactions prohibited by the LFAIE) directly or indirectly related to its main purpose; it may also establish branches and/or subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad; the company may grant direct or indirect financing to third parties, to companies in which it holds a direct or indirect participation, to direct or indirect associates or to companies in which these associates hold a direct or indirect participation through loans or other financing or by providing any type of guarantee, with or without consideration; furthermore, it may conclude cash pooling agreements with other group companies.