23rd Apr 2007 15:33
Banco Santander Central Hispano SA23 April 2007 23 April 2007 Fortis, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander (the "Banks") note today'sannouncement of a recommended offer by Barclays for ABN AMRO. A meeting was arranged for 14.30 today with ABN AMRO so that the Banks couldpresent their proposals to ABN AMRO for them to be considered alongsideBarclays' proposals. The Banks' proposals include the retention of LaSalle Bank. In view of ABNAMRO's decision to sell LaSalle Bank to Bank of America, the Banks need tounderstand the circumstances under which this sale can be terminated. The Banksare requesting this information today. Accordingly, the Banks do not consider itappropriate to meet with ABN AMRO today.------------------------------------------------------------------------- Important information This announcement is made pursuant to article 9b(1) of the Dutch Decree on theSupervision of the Securities Trade 1995 (the "Decree"). Any possibletransaction would be subject to approval of competent regulatory authorities inrelevant jurisdictions. In connection with a potential transaction involving ABN AMRO, the Banks may berequired to file relevant documents with the SEC. Such documents, however, arenot currently available. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ ANY DOCUMENTS REGARDING THEPOTENTIAL TRANSACTION IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILLCONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy ofsuch documents without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) oncesuch documents are filed with the SEC. Copies of such documents may also beobtained from each Bank, without charge, once they are filed with the SEC. This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation ofan offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in anyjurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful priorto registration or qualification under the securities laws of any suchjurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made in the United Statesexcept pursuant to registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended,or an exemption therefrom. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Banco SantanderRBS.L