SECTION 143

The distributable profits shall be the income of the fiscal year, to which shall be added income brought forward less past losses and appropriations for reserves in accordance with the provisions of the law or of the Articles of Association. The general meeting may, under the conditions set forth in the Articles of Association, decide to distribute all or part of the company’s reserve funds, provided such reserves are not classified non-distributable by the law or the Articles of Association. In such case, the general meeting shall specify the reserve items from which funds shall be drawn. Except in the case of reduction of capital, no distribution of reserves to members may be authorized where the equity capital is or may, following such distribution, become lower than the capital plus the reserves which by law or by virtue of the Articles of Association may not be distributed.