Takeover by Erste Group of approximately 49 percent. shares in Santander Bank Polska and 50 percent shares in Santander TFI will open a new chapter in the activities of the Austrian group on one of the most dynamic banking markets in Europe. All required consents, including those from the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and the European Commission, have already been obtained.
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Peter Bosek, president of Erste Group, emphasized the importance of Poland in the group's development strategy.
— As a leading banking group in Central and Eastern Europe, we are enthusiastically expanding our geographic reach to include such a dynamically developing economy as Poland, said Bosek. He added that Erste Group's current markets in the region are crucial for Polish cross-border trade and investment.
A deal worth billions
The total value of the transaction is approximately EUR 7 billion, of which EUR 6.8 billion is for the purchase of shares in Santander Bank Polska and EUR 0.2 billion for the acquisition of Santander TFI. The entire project will be financed from Erste Group's internal funds.
Thanks to this investment, Erste Group will become the main shareholder of the largest private bank in Poland, which will allow it to serve 23 million customers throughout the region. The transaction is also intended to strengthen the group's position as one of the leading financial institutions in the eastern part of the European Union.
Financial stability and growth prospects
During the first three quarters of 2025, Erste Group achieved a return on equity (ROTE) of 16.8%. The CET1 ratio (pro forma) increased to 18.2%, demonstrating the group's solid operating performance. Stefan Dörfler, CFO of Erste Group, emphasized that taking over a controlling stake in Santander Bank Polska is a key step towards sustainable growth.
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“This investment reflects our commitment to the efficient use of capital and generating high returns for our shareholders,” commented Dörfler.
Higher returns for shareholders
After closing the transaction, Erste Group expects further improvement in profitability.
In 2026, the return on equity (ROTE) is expected to be approximately 19%, and earnings per share (EPS) will increase by over 20%. compared to forecasts for 2025. Temporary reduction of the dividend payout ratio to a maximum of 10%. net profit for 2025 is to allow the group to maintain the CET1 ratio above the target level of 14.25%. in 2026
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Erste Group's entry into the Polish banking market is one of the biggest events in the financial sector in recent years. The transaction not only highlights the importance of Poland as a strategic market in the region, but also strengthens Erste Group's position as a leader in Central and Eastern Europe.
