to acquire and manage participations in any form in Switzerland or abroad (but for those related to real estate activities in Switzerland, exclusively participations in companies limited to the acquisition of commercial properties); additionally, the company also has the purpose of trading, marketing, providing services and advice in the field of metals, minerals, ores and all derived products, as well as trading in petroleum products of all kinds; 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 in Switzerland and abroad, directly or indirectly related to its purpose; however, the company will not acquire any real estate in Switzerland, except, if 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, if applicable, real estate activities 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.