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.
BAWAG formally completed the sale of Istrobanka to KBC Bank NV in July 2008, resulting in KBC becoming the fourth-largest bank in Slovakia as a result of its partnership with ČSOB.