In the following years, the group acquired more WBK shares to buy the control stake (80%) in Bank Zachodni in 1999.

[7] On 30 March 2010, AIB announced the intention to sell its stake in Bank Zachodni WBK S.A, and on 10 September these intentions were confirmed by announcing the buyer – Spanish group Santander which was to buy 70.36% of shares worth EUR 3,1bn from AIB.

On 30 March 2011, in a tender offer, Santander acquired 69,912 m company shares taking up 95.67% of its stake.

The mission of Santander Foundation established over 10 years ago (until 2001 it operated under the name of “Pomoc Ludziom”) is to invest in the development of talents and passion of children from economically disadvantaged families.

Bank Zachodni WBK creates its image, among others, by means of advertisement/commercial campaigns which feature international celebrities.

Among the celebrities who starred in the commercials were: John Cleese, co-founder and member of Monty Python Group,[12] comedian Danny DeVito,[13] selector of Poland's national football team, Leo Beenhakker,[14] French actor, Gérard Depardieu[15] and Antonio Banderas.

], Izabela Kuna joined the campaign and is currently advertising the newest BZWBK product – "Worth Recommending Account" with Chuck Norris.