Unilever has signed a new advertising deal with ITV worth more than £200 million, the companies announced today.

The contract, running to the end of 2009, covers "spot" ad breaks on ITV's portfolio of channels, as well as beyond-the-spot activity.

"Advertising on ITV enables us to concentrate our resources behind our focussed portfolio of leading brands using the power of television," said Nigel Cowlin, Unilever’s head of media and communication in the UK and Ireland. “Television will continue to have a vital role to play in the 360 degree plans for our brands.”

Unilever was the UK's largest advertiser in 2005 and has a portfolio including brands such as Persil, Dove, Flora, PG Tips and Birds Eye.