Joint Statement Re. ABN AMRO

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
23 April 2007




23 April 2007

Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander (the 'Banks') note today's
announcement of a recommended offer by Barclays for ABN AMRO.

A meeting was arranged for 14.30 today with ABN AMRO so that the Banks could
present their proposals to ABN AMRO for them to be considered alongside
Barclays' proposals.

The Banks' proposals include the retention of LaSalle Bank. In view of ABN
AMRO's decision to sell LaSalle Bank to Bank of America, the Banks need to
understand the circumstances under which this sale can be terminated. The Banks
are requesting this information today. Accordingly, the Banks do not consider it
appropriate to meet with ABN AMRO today.
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Important information

This announcement is made pursuant to article 9b(1) of the Dutch Decree on the
Supervision of the Securities Trade 1995 (the 'Decree'). Any possible
transaction would be subject to approval of competent regulatory authorities in
relevant jurisdictions.

In connection with a potential transaction involving ABN AMRO, the Banks may be
required to file relevant documents with the SEC. Such documents, however, are
not currently available. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE
POTENTIAL TRANSACTION IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL
CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of
such documents without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) once
such documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of such documents may also be
obtained from each Bank, without charge, once they are filed with the SEC.

This communication 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 prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such
jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made in the United States
except pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or an exemption therefrom.





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