The holding, investment, purchase, sale and financing of securities, papers, shares and, where applicable, derivative instruments, excluding those, if any, of companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland. The Company also aims to provide services and advice in all areas, including research, market studies, restructuring and technical assistance. The Company may conduct its activities worldwide, on its own account or in association with third parties. The Company may carry out all financial, commercial and industrial operations and provide administrative and other services in Switzerland and abroad, directly or indirectly related to its purpose. However, the Company will not acquire any real estate in Switzerland, except, where applicable, commercial properties. The Company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and acquire participations in other companies in Switzerland or abroad (but for those having, where applicable, a real estate activity in Switzerland, exclusively companies limited to the acquisition of commercial properties). The Company may also participate in the financing, in particular by providing loans, guarantees and securities of all kinds, to other entities of the group to which the Company belongs, in the interest of the said group.