Sunderland have announced that new sponsor BFS Group Limited will take over from Invest In Africa next season.

The Premier League outfit has revealed that the UK food distribution business from the South African Bidvest Group Limited will become the club's main sponsor.

"We are absolutely delighted to be entering into a partnership with the BFS Group and Bidvest," said chief executive Margaret Byrne.

"The group's credentials in terms of community support are akin to our own and this takes our club to a whole new level in terms of its international commercial activity.

"Whilst Sunderland will always be a club defined by its proud regional history and heritage, in order for the club to continue to move forward, building our reputation and presence internationally becomes a key focus."

Despite the replacement, the North-East outfit has insisted that they will keep their ties with Invest In Africa, but at a lower level.