The shareholders ' approved of the purchase , and it was formally approved by the courts . Abbey became part of Grupo Santander on 12 November 2004 . Following shareholders ' approval at the EGMs of Abbey ( 95 per cent voted in favor , despite vocal opposition from most of those present ) and Santander , the acquisition was formally approved by the courts and Abbey became part of Grupo Santander on 12 November 2004 .