Heart of Midlothian Football Club (Hearts) has announced a commercial partnership agreement with Citroën Retail Group Scotland.

The agreement will see Citroën supply the Edinburgh club with cars for players and coaching staff including the top of the range C-Crosser. In return Citroën will benefit from exposure to one of the UK's top 20 supported clubs, with a fan base of 400,000 globally, and a high profile through a series of other commercial tie-ups with club.

Hearts sponsorship manager Matt Lyle said, "Naturally we are delighted to have one of the top brands within the automotive market coming on board with Hearts.

"Citroën are indicative of the multi-national partner base that we are building off field at Hearts.

"With our global reach, large supporter base and European connections the agreement will have extensive benefits for both the club and Citroën."

Ian Hughes, Citroën's marketing director, said: "We are delighted that Hearts have recognised the strengths of Citroen including value for money, environmental responsibility and low cost of operation.

"This is the start of what will hopefully be a table-topping partnership with one of Scotland's leading teams. As the UK's leading supplier of cars and light commercial vehicles we are looking forward to the exciting times ahead."

Hearts has the backing of a number of strong sponsors. In addition to Citroën, the club has sponsorship and partnership agreements with blue-chip businesses such as Ukio Bankas, UMBRO, Clydesdale Bank, UBIG, The Scottish Sun, Canterbury, Scottish Leader, Lucozade Sport, Coral and Vittel.