Erste Group Bank AG: Erste Group successfully completes acquisition of 49% controlling stake in Santander Bank Polska

Wien (pta020/09.01.2026/13:15 UTC+1)

• Profitability set to improve significantly by expanding into one of Europe's fastest growing banking markets
• Erste Group and Santander Group enter strategic alliance for corporate and institutional clients to leverage their complementary international coverage

Erste Group Bank AG ("Erste Group") today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of a 49% controlling stake in Santander Bank Polska S.A. ("Santander Bank Polska") and a 50% stake in Santander Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych S.A. ("Santander TFI") from Banco Santander, S.A. ("Santander Group"). The transaction, for a total cash consideration of approximately 7.0 billion euros, transforms Erste Group into the main shareholder with de facto control of Poland's third-largest bank by assets. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in strengthening Erste Group's position in Central and Eastern Europe and expanding its presence in one of Europe's most dynamic markets.

Profitability set to improve significantly

The transaction is expected to deliver a significant improvement in Erste Group's profitability. For 2026, the return on tangible equity (ROTE) is projected at approximately 19%, while earnings per share (EPS) in 2026 are anticipated to increase by more than 20%. This enhanced profitability will further strengthen Erste Group's ability to deploy capital in a way that maximizes shareholder value.

Erste Group and Santander Group announce new strategic alliance for corporate and institutional clients

Erste Group and Santander Group are entering into a new strategic alliance to better serve corporate and institutional clients across borders. Santander provides access to its international network and global product platforms, while Erste contributes its deep expertise in Central and Eastern Europe. The aim is to broaden offerings and support clients in their international growth strategies. Corporate and institutional clients also stand to benefit through a broader range of services in corporate, investment and correspondent banking, markets, cash management, export finance, as well as trade and working capital solutions. By combining strengths and sharing best practices, Erste Group and Santander Group will bolster their ability to originate and execute large-scale transactions globally.

Peter Bosek, Stefan Dörfler, Alexandra Habeler-Drabek and Maurizio Poletto proposed as Supervisory Board members of Santander Bank Polska

On 22 January 2026, Santander Bank Polska will hold its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). Among other points, the EGM will decide on the new name of the bank and on Supervisory Board members representing Erste Group. As communicated by Santander Bank Polska on 23 December 2025 in a notice convening its EGM, Peter Bosek (CEO of Erste Group), Stefan Dörfler (CFO of Erste Group), Alexandra Habeler-Drabek (CRO of Erste Group), and Maurizio Poletto (Chief Platform Officer and COO of Erste Group) will be proposed as members of Santander Bank Polska's Supervisory Board. Furthermore, the appointment of Peter Bosek as Supervisory Board Chair will be proposed to the EGM.

Rebranding planned within the second quarter of 2026

With Erste Group as its new main shareholder, Santander Bank Polska plans to rebrand and change the legal name of all its entities. Reflecting its membership in Erste Group, all companies belonging to Santander Bank Polska Group that have "Santander" in their name will undergo rebranding. At the Extraordinary General Meeting of Santander Bank Polska to be held on 22 January 2026, "Erste Bank Polska" will be proposed as the new name of the bank. After the approval by the EGM, the new legal name will be registered in the National Court Register in Poland. Rebranding is planned within the second quarter of 2026.

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Emitter:	Erste Group Bank AG Am Belvedere 1 1100 Wien Austria
Contact Person:	Thomas Sommerauer
Phone:	+43 (0)50100-17326
E-Mail:	investor.relations@erstegroup.com
Website:	www.erstegroup.com
ISIN(s):	AT0000652011 (Share)
Stock Exchange(s):	Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Trade)
Other Stock Exchanges:	Bucharest Stock Exchange, Prague Stock Exchange