General Shareholders Meeting

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
30 September 2004

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                      Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A.
                          General Shareholders Meeting

Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A. ('Banco Santander') today announces that
it has called its General Shareholders Meeting ('GSM') for the purpose of
considering and, if thought fit, approving the resolutions required in
connection with the recommended acquisition of Abbey National plc by Banco
Santander. The GSM will take place on 20 October 2004 (first call) and on 21
October 2004 (second call).


Enquiries:

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



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