Erste in Talks to Buy $8 Billion Santander Polish Unit Stake (4)

Erste Group Bank AG is in talks to buy a major stake in Banco Santander SA’s Polish unit, seizing an opportunity to expand in one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets.

Austria’s largest lender is in discussions with the Spanish company about acquiring 49% of Santander Bank Polska SA, the banks said in separate statements Monday that confirmed an earlier Bloomberg News report. The stake is valued at around €7.3 billion ($8 billion) based on the most recent stock price.

It’s not clear if the talks will lead to an agreement, and completion of any transaction would be subject ...