Essendon Football Club and Yakult Australia are delighted to announce a new two-year contract extension that will see Yakult remain the club’s official match ball partner until at least the end of the 2013 season.

Yakult is Essendon’s longest standing commercial partner after joining forces with the Bombers in 2004. Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said the club was excited to be extending its relationship with Yakult.

""This is a great result for the club and we are really pleased and excited to announce the continuation of our enduring partnership,” Robson said.

“Both companies share like minded values and have mutually benefited from our partnership over the last eight years.”

“We now look forward to continuing our strong relationship into the future for many years to come,” he said.

Yakult Australia Managing Director Mr. Kenji Ono said ""We are delighted to have extended our partnership with Essendon for a further two years. Both Essendon and Yakult value loyalty and commitment and we would encourage all Essendon supporters to “stand as one” with the club in season 2012.""

The deal was signed after Essendon duo David Zaharakis and Jake Melksham represented the club on a recent trip to Japan to learn more about Yakult’s corporate philosophy.

Robson said the trip was a great opportunity for the players to experience a different culture.

“It’s fantastic for two our emerging leaders to have been given this remarkable opportunity,” Robson said.

“The club filmed the entire trip and will use the vision for a special documentary video series that will air on the Bomber Show on Fox sports next year.”