Statement re. Press Comment

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
13 April 2007


NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES


13 April 2007 - Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander

In view of recent press speculation, Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland and
Santander (collectively, 'the Banks') can confirm that they submitted a joint
letter dated 12 April 2007 to the Chairmen of the Supervisory and Managing
boards of ABN AMRO to express the Banks' interest in putting forward a proposal
for the acquisition of ABN AMRO and their preference to work with ABN AMRO to
make an offer to ABN AMRO shareholders.

The Banks have requested access to the same due diligence information given to
Barclays.

The Banks hope to take discussions forward with the Supervisory and Managing
boards of ABN AMRO, although there can be no certainty that these discussions
will lead to a transaction or the form it might take.

No further comments will be made at this time.
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This announcement is made pursuant to article 9b(1) of the Dutch Decree on the
Supervision of the Securities Trade 1995. Any possible transaction would be
subject to approval of competent regulatory authorities in relevant
jurisdictions.

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of
an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any
jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. No
offering of securities may be made in the United States except pursuant to
registration under the US Securities Act of 1933 or an exemption therefrom.





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