The acquisition and management, direct or indirect, of participations in other companies, Swiss or foreign, the financing of groups of companies as well as placement and investment activities, excluding operations prohibited by the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Foreigners (LFAIE); the company may carry out all commercial, financial, real estate, movable or consulting operations, and conclude all contracts having a direct or indirect connection with its purpose and promoting its development; the company may also establish branches or set up subsidiaries in Switzerland or abroad; the company may also grant loans to its shareholders, to companies affiliated with it or to third parties, and provide guarantees, grant securities or guarantee any commitment made by its shareholders, affiliated companies or third parties.