The acquisition, holding, management and disposal of shareholdings in companies of any kind, in Switzerland or abroad, it being specified that the Company may not hold, in Switzerland, a shareholding in a real estate company unless (i) the shares of said real estate company are listed on a Swiss stock exchange, or (ii) the purpose of this real estate company is the acquisition of real estate intended for non-residential use. Furthermore, the Company may provide advisory and assistance services, in particular in the fields of corporate strategy, organization, finance and management, to affiliated companies as well as to third parties. The Company may also carry on any activity and conclude any transaction directly or indirectly related to its corporate purpose and likely to promote or facilitate its development. It may also create branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad. The Company may grant loans and provide other forms of financing, on a paid or gratuitous basis, and may grant guarantees, securities or any other form of credit support, directly or indirectly, in favor of affiliated companies and third parties.