The Montreal Impact and BMO, the Bank of Soccer in Canada, announced Tuesday the signing of a five-year sponsorship agreement by which BMO will become the Impact's lead sponsor when the team enters Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012.

The new partnership confirms the two organizations shared passion for soccer and strengthens BMO's ongoing support for the sport and its fans at both the amateur and professional levels.

"We are delighted to be joining the Montreal Impact as the exclusive presenting partner when the team makes its entry into MLS in 2012," said L. Jacques Ménard, President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec. "This important partnership is proof of our mutual commitment to developing soccer in Quebec. BMO is proud to associate its brand with the world's most popular sport and with a team that will pull in crowds and thrill Montrealers and Quebecers," added Mr. Ménard.

"Today we have reached another historic milestone," said Joey Saputo, president of the Montreal Impact. "It is with great pride that we announce a great partnership for a great soccer city. BMO Financial Group is a financial institution that is constantly increasing its involvement with the soccer community. I applaud their initiatives to support soccer across the country. Through BMO, the Impact is giving its firm commitment to remain accessible even after it enters MLS. It's also the biggest sponsorship deal in the Montreal Impact history."

As official sponsor, BMO will have its logo displayed on the Montreal Impact jersey, in a section of Saputo Stadium, on the players' bench, at the stadium's main entrance and on tickets.