As confirmed by the Santander Group, it will list its British subsidiary, Santander UK, on the stock market. The expected date for the IPO is estimated to be sometime in June of this year. As the bank’s CEO, Alfredo Sáenz, stated during the presentation of the bank’s 2010 annual results, he said: "What I want to confirm is our intention to carry out the initial public offering of shares in the second half of the year." The valuation of this Santander UK IPO is not yet known; it will be revealed later. Various media outlets have been warning for some time about Santander’s intention to list on the London Stock Exchange with the aim of financing its expansion.
For his part, Santander Bank chairman Emilio Botín believes the ideal date for the IPO will be closer to the final quarter. He stated, "The London Stock Exchange listing will be subject to market conditions," adding, "My daughter Ana has done well this year," as she is leading the operation.
Santander UK has been strengthened following the acquisition and incorporation of Bradford & Bingley and Alliance & Leicester. This has significantly improved the image, trust, and solidity of the Santander Group.
On the other hand, the Santander Group has announced that it will also request a listing of its Argentine subsidiary, rounding out what it expects to be "an excellent year."
