A société à responsabilité limitée (SARL, S.à r.l. and similar; lit. 'society with limited responsibility') is a form of private company that exists mainly in French-speaking countries, such as France, Luxembourg, Monaco, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Madagascar, Lebanon, Switzerland (where it is also designated by GmbH or Sagl), and Belgium (where, since 1 May 2019, it is also designated by besloten vennootschap and abbreviated as SRL). The primary purpose of a SARL is to conduct commercial activity. In the Canadian province of Alberta, a similar corporate entity exists, known as "Société à Responsabilité Limitée" (SRL). This entity is recognized under the Alberta Partnership Act, allowing free trade of SRL shares akin to Canadian LLP shares, without the restrictions of European SRLs. Proprietary interests in a SARL are represented by shares. They are not freely transferable; unless the intended recipient is a spouse, descendant, or other close relative, transfers require the agreement of half of the shareholders (since Ord. 2 mars 2004). One of the primary advantages of a SARL is limited liability; an owner or other investor in the company cannot be liable for more than they have contributed to the company's capital. In this respect, a SARL is largely equivalent to a British limited company or American limited liability company.