Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Santander focuses on Webster integration while keeping US acquisitions open
Santander is focused on integrating Webster Financial, its newly acquired US banking business, chief Ana Botín says.
Santander completed the acquisition on August 20 after receiving regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Webster adds commercial banking to Santander’s US business, which Botín said previously lacked that part of banking.
The deal combines commercial banking with what Botín described as attractive funding.
Santander has not ruled out more US acquisitions, but says it will consider them only when they make financial and strategic sense.
The bank expects its US business to reach about an 18% return in 2028 once the integration is complete.
It also estimates the deal could raise earnings per share by about 7% to 8% by 2028.
Santander is prioritising the integration of Webster Financial while keeping the possibility of future US acquisitions open.
Chair Ana Botín said the bank considers acquisitions when they have a strong strategic fit, make financial sense and compare favourably with profitable organic growth.
Santander completed its acquisition of Webster Financial on 20 August after receiving regulatory and shareholder approvals.
The deal adds commercial banking to Santander’s US business, which Botín described as a part of the business the bank had lacked in the country.
Santander estimates its US business could reach an 18% return on tangible equity in 2028 once the integration is complete.
- Who
- Banco Santander and its chair, Ana Botín.
- What
- Santander is focusing on integrating Webster Financial while remaining open to future US acquisitions.
- When
- Botín’s interview was recorded on 13 July and published on Thursday; Santander completed the acquisition on 20 August. The article was published on 15 October 2026.
- Where
- The United States; the interview was recorded in New York.
- Why
- Webster adds commercial banking to Santander’s US business, and the bank says acquisitions must have a strong strategic fit and make financial sense.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Botín’s interview for The David Rubenstein Show was recorded in New York.
Santander completed its acquisition of Webster Financial after receiving regulatory and shareholder approvals.
The interview was published.
Expansión published its article on Botín’s remarks.
- Acquired company
- Webster Financial
- Acquisition completed
- 20 August
- Interview recorded
- 13 July, New York
- Estimated US ROTE
- Around 18% in 2028 after integration
- Estimated earnings per share increase
- Around 7% to 8%
- Estimated return on invested capital
- Close to 15% in 2028
What people are saying
Cuando identificamos un encaje estratégico muy sólido que tiene sentido financiero, es decir, que genera una rentabilidad superior al coste del capital propio, y que resulta competitivo frente al crecimiento orgánico rentable, entonces consideramos realizar adquisiciones. No obstante, en este momento estamos totalmente centrados en la integración
Deben vernos como un banco global con una presencia muy sólida en Europa y en el continente americano; ese es, en esencia, el núcleo de Santander