Santander seals $12.2bn deal to acquire Webster

Core Viewpoint - Banco Santander has agreed to acquire Webster Financial for $12.2 billion, enhancing its presence in the US Northeast market [1][2]. Group 1: Deal Structure - Each Webster shareholder will receive $48.75 in cash and 2.0548 Santander shares per share, totaling $75 per Webster share, with 65% in cash and 35% in shares [1]. - The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder agreement [5]. Group 2: Company Overview - Webster Financial, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, operates nearly 200 branches and has over $80 billion in assets [2]. - The combined entity will have approximately $327 billion in assets, $185 billion in loans, and $172 billion in deposits by the end of 2025 [4]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The merger will unify Santander's consumer finance strength with Webster's commercial banking expertise, positioning the new entity among the ten largest retail and commercial banks in the US [2][4]. - Estimated cost synergies from the merger are around $800 million, representing 19% of the merged cost base, with a target efficiency ratio below 40% by 2028 [4]. Group 4: Leadership Perspective - Webster's CEO John Ciulla expressed that the merger will unlock greater scale and new growth opportunities while maintaining a focus on client success [3]. - Santander US CEO Christiana Riley highlighted that the acquisition strengthens their commercial banking presence and enhances their retail branch footprint, particularly in Connecticut [6].