FSA Approval for Abbey bid

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
05 November 2004


Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A.
5 November 2004

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR FROM THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acquisition of Abbey National plc ('Abbey') by Banco Santander Central Hispano,
   S.A. ('Banco Santander') - Approval from the Financial Services Authority

Banco Santander notes the announcement made by the Financial Services Authority
('FSA') granting its approval of the proposed acquisition of Abbey. As such, the
condition to Banco Santander's recommended offer for Abbey relating to the
obtaining of approval from the FSA has now been satisfied.

Enquiries:

Banco Santander
Keith Grant (Head of International Media)                 + 34 91 289 5206
Peter Greiff                                              + 34 91 289 5207

Maitland
Angus Maitland                                            + 44 20 7379 5151
Martin Leeburn
Philip Gawith

Brunswick
Rurik Ingram                                              + 44 20 7404 5959


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