in 1982 they acquired banco zaragozano. later, in 1988, together with kio group they created cartera central which had a significant stake in banco central and two seats on its board of directors. they tried to take over the bank banco central but were blocked in their attempt by the government due to anti-monopoly rules. banco zaragozano was valued in us$15m at acquisition and they sold it for over usd 2b to barclay's bank in 2003.