Following the recent capital increase carried out by Astra, Repsol has strengthened its presence in that company, raising its stake from 47.5% to 56.7%. After this operation Repsol�s accumulated investment in Astra totals 659 million dollars. This 9.2% increase in Repsol�s stake, which includes acquisition on the Stock Exchange during the month of November of 2% of Astra�s capital stock, was achieved with an investment of 170.5 million dollars.

With this operation, Repsol consolidates and increases its presence in Argentina, where it carries out activities in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbons, refining and distribution of oil products and gas, as well as generation and distribution of electricity.

The subscribed capital increase is a step towards the goal of making Astra Repsol�s key company for the development of its presence in Mercosur, with a strategy of activities similar to that of the Group in Spain. During the next five years, Astra will invest approximately 2 billion dollars.