Speculation is mounting that Santander could be set to launch a £20bn stock market listing of its UK business as the Spanish bank looks to raise new money after a spate of acquisitions. Santander UK, which comprises the former businesses of Abbey, Alliance & Leicester, Bradford & Bingley, could be floated on the London market as early as this year, according to some observers. Arturo de Frias, banks analyst at Evolution Securities, said now was a good time for Santander to float its UK operations and said a listing could come "sooner rather than later". "The profitability is good and Santander has done a very impressive job of turning around the performance of these businesses," he said.
Source : Daily Telegraph page B5 - 16.09.10
