In July 2008 BAWAG formalized sale of Istrobanka to the Belgian group KBC Bank NV, making KBC the fourth largest bank in the Slovak market through its partnership  with ČSOB.
In July 2008 BAWAG concluded the sale of Istrobanka to the Belgian KBC Bank NV, leading to KBC's position as the fourth-largest bank in Slovakia due to its partnership with ČSOB.