Erste Group Weighs Buying 49% of Santander's Polish Unit
By and Jorge Zuloaga
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Erste Group Bank AG is exploring buying a major stake in Banco Santander SA 's Polish unit, seizing an opportunity to expand in one of Europe's fastest-growing markets, according to people familiar with the matter.
Austria's largest lender is discussing acquiring 49% of Santander Bank Polska SA, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. That stake is valued at around €7.3 billion ($8 billion) based on the most recent stock price.
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