Rule 2.10 Announcement

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
16 September 2004

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 15
September 2004, it had in issue 4,701,268,347 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. Each American Depository Receipt represents one
Ordinary Share of Banco Santander Central Hispano S.A.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange