LONDON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Emilio Botin, who transformedSantander from a small domestic lender into the eurozone's biggest bank, has died of a heart attack, aged 79.
Botin, "El Presidente" to his co-workers and the thirdgeneration of Botins to run Santander, was regarded as one ofthe most powerful and influential bankers of his generation andan astute dealmaker.
The following are reactions to his death:
ANTONIO HORTA-OSORIO, chief executive of Lloyds BankingGroup, who worked at Santander from 1993 to 2010 in anumber of senior positions, including as head of its Britishbusiness:
"Emilio was a unique banker, the best of his generation andthe driving force behind the success of the bank.
"He was a great mentor to me during my time with Santanderand he will be missed by many across the banking industry. Mythoughts are with his family."
RON DENNIS, chairman and CEO of motor racing group McLaren.Botin was a keen fan of Formula One and Santander had been apartner of McLaren since 2007:
"Emilio was a consummate businessman, who made Santanderwhat it is today.
"Passionate and charming, he was firm but always fair. Ifeel privileged to have known him, and proud to be able to callhim a friend.
"He adored motor racing - there was no-one more enthusiasticin the McLaren garage than he was when a race win was in theoffing.
"The world has lost a great man. To his large and lovingfamily, I send my condolences."
SERGIO ERMOTTI, chief executive of UBS :
"It's a great loss to the industry. He was a pioneer and afriend of UBS. We will remember him for his energy, his sharpmind and good heart. Our sympathy goes out to his family and theemployees of Santander."
GEORGE MATHEWSON, former Royal Bank of Scotland chairman, who worked closely with Botin for 25 years. RBS andSantander had a strategic alliance between 1998 and 2004 andBotin and Mathewson sat together on the boards of both banks:
"He had a great capacity for learning and never assumed heknew everything. He was always willing to learn which was agreat capacity for a man of his seniority to have. He sat on theRBS board for years and was constantly taking notes and learningabout the business."
"He made a major contribution to Spanish banking. He broughtdiscipline to banking in Spain." (Compiled by Reuters bureaux, editing by Louise Heavens)