Santander Celebrates Five Years in the UK

Since Banco Santander acquired Abbey, five years ago this week(1), former Abbey shareholders have seen their Santander shares rise 61 per cent(2). Dividend returns over the past five years amount to GBP165.07 for 100 shares and Santander maintains its commitment to distribute EUR 4,812 million to shareholders against 2009 earnings.

Under the new remuneration programme for 2009, shareholders can opt to receive in cash or in shares the amount equivalent to the dividend that the Bank pays in November(3). There is no Spanish withholding applicable if the rights were sold on the stock market or received in new shares.

In addition to the returns offered by Santander shares, Santander shareholders can enjoy the following benefits:

A UK shareholder department and website dedicated to our shareholders;

Quarterly and monthly communications, with updates and offers;

A programme of nationwide cocktail receptions

Monthly Free Purchase Dealing days;

A Dividend Reinvestment Plan;

A loyalty Club with quarterly prize draws; and

Discounted products.

The UK Shareholders’ department marked the fifth anniversary with a number of shareholder events and the launch of a new website (www.santandershareholder.co.uk) especially for UK shareholders.

Over 100 shareholders enjoyed lunch on the magnificent ocean liner the Queen Marry II as it stopped off in Southampton between transatlantic trips. In addition, the previous night, the shareholder team hosted a cocktail reception in the NV restaurant in central Southampton. These events following those held at Durham Castle, Edinburgh Surgeon’s Hall and in Windsor.

Santander makes taking care of its shareholders a priority and is very proud of its programmes. These events and programmes are part of the Santander culture which distinguishes us from other companies.

José Rojo, Director of the UK Shareholder Department, Santander said: “We value our UK shareholders and we are delighted that they can enjoy being part of one of the world’s best banks and, also, have access to a wide choice of attractive benefits.

Those interested in participating in any Santander shareholder initiatives or in buying shares can call the dedicated shareholder line 0871 384 2000.

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The information contained in this press release is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.

Notes to Editors

(1) The acquisition of Abbey by Santander was complete on 15th November 2004.

(2) The mid-market price at close of trading on 12th November (the last day Abbey shares were listed on the Stock Exchange), the price was GBP6.435. The share price on 12th November 2009 was GBP10.37.

(3) Under this scheme, each shareholder received a free allotment right of new shares for each share they owned. Shareholders could sell these rights to the Bank at a fixed price (EUR 0.12 per right), sell them on the stock market between the 16th and 30th of October at their quotation price or receive new shares in the proportion of one new share for every 91 rights.

About Santander

Banco Santander (SAN.MC, STD.N) is a retail and commercial bank, based in Spain. At the end of 2008, Santander was the largest bank in the euro zone by market capitalization and third in the world by profit. Founded in 1857, Santander had EUR 1,271 billion in managed funds at the end of 2008. Following the acquisition of Sovereign Bancorp. of the U.S. in January 2009, Santander has 90 million customers, more than 14,000 branches – more than any other international bank – and over 170,000 employees. It is the largest financial group in Spain and Latin America, with leading positions in the United Kingdom and Portugal and a broad presence in Europe through its Santander Consumer Finance arm. In the first half of 2009, Santander registered EUR 4,519 million in net attributable profit.

In the UK, Santander operates three retail businesses – Abbey, Alliance & Leicester who provide competitive bank accounts and the savings business of Bradford & Bingley. Together they have over 1300 branches, around 4,500 cash machines and they provide a full range of retail and corporate banking services to 24 million customers. For more information visit http://www.santander.co.uk.

The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.