to carry out all purchasing, selling and reselling operations of raw materials, including intermediation and financial transactions related to these transactions. The Company may act directly or as an intermediary. It may also guarantee certain operations. The Company may, on its own account or on behalf of third parties, carry out all financial and commercial operations in direct or indirect relation to its main purpose, grant commercial loans and offer operational or administrative support services in Switzerland and abroad. The Company may also take participations in other companies, excluding participations in companies holding residential real estate in Switzerland, and grant loans to its shareholders or affiliated companies and/or guarantee, secure or co-sign loans granted by third parties to its shareholders or affiliated companies.