Woolworths new sponsors of Hit 40 UK

Woolworths have become the new sponsors of the Hit 40 UK chart after signing a multi-million pound deal believed to be the largest in UK radio history.

The deal, negotiated by the Capital Radio Group and estimated to cost in the region of £8 million, will provide extensive exposure and branding for the chart in each of Woolworths' 827 stores across the country, followed by the introduction of a website, SMS text clubs and CD giveaways to promote greater listener interaction.

Formerly known as the Pepsi Chart, the Hit 40 UK is the country's most popular radio chart show, attracting 4.2 million listeners every week across a network of 96 stations. However, the chart faces increased competition from the soon-to-be-relaunched BBC Radio 1 chart and Emap's new Smash Hits chart, which is carried by 31 stations.

Paul Davies, Operations Director at Capital, said of the deal: "This offers our national network of 96 local radio stations unprecedented presence in every city centre, ensuring that the Hit 40 UK brand not only plays an active role in consumers every day lives, but has the capacity to build even stronger audiences in the future."

Another sponsorship deal was signed at Virgin Radio, as McDonalds renewed their association with the station's breakfast show for a further year in an agreement worth £750,000.