Rule 2.10 Announcement

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
02 August 2004

                                                                   2 August 2004



                     Banco Santander Central Hispano, S.A.

             Rule 2.10 Announcement - Relevant Securities in Issue

In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, Banco
Santander Central Hispano S.A. confirms that, as at close of business on 30 July
2004, it had in issue 4,718,090,445 ordinary shares of Euro 0.50 each ('Ordinary
Shares'), excluding shares held as treasury shares.

The International Securities Identification Number for the Ordinary Shares is ES
0113900J37 and for the Ordinary Shares represented by the American Depository
Receipts is US 05964H1059.

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