Erste Group Bank AG has acquired a majority stake in Santander Bank Polska for €7 billion, marking a significant shift in the Polish banking sector and signaling the attractiveness of the market to international investors.

Information on the Target

Santander Bank Polska is the third largest bank in Poland, ranked by assets, client count, and market share in loans and deposits. The bank's recent acquisition by Erste Group Bank AG, a prominent Austrian banking group, marks a significant milestone in the Polish banking sector. Erste Group will acquire 49% of Santander Bank Polska’s shares alongside a 50% stake in Santander Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych (Santander TFI), effectively granting Erste Group control of Santander Bank Polska.

This transaction, valued at approximately €7 billion, is not only one of the largest in the history of the Polish financial sector but also indicative of broader shifts within the banking landscape in Poland. The agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

Industry Overview in Poland

The Polish banking market has shown remarkable resilience and growth potential, attracting international investment due to its favorable economic conditions. It is characterized by a diverse range of banking services catering to individual cli