to purchase, sell, negotiate, exchange or dispose of in any manner, as principal or as agent on a commission basis, raw materials, in particular in relation to energy, notably materials such as crude oil, gas and all derived products, and to participate in energy futures markets. It may carry out all operations which would be conducive to the attainment of its purpose, and generally any commercial, industrial, financial and advisory operation having a connection with its purpose and promoting its development, and to establish branches or subsidiaries in Switzerland or abroad. The company may, in the interest of the Addax and Oryx group, grant loans or other financing to companies of the Addax and Oryx group as well as provide any guarantees to secure the obligations of such companies, notably by creating pledges, by transferring assets of the company in trust or by issuing a guarantee of any kind.