The archives will be transferred from London to Leeds and will be opened to the public in 2011. The collection includes more than 60,000 items on display, including business papers, advertising materials and merchandise.
''This is a fantastic opportunity for the past 125 years of Marks and Spencer's to be studied in depth by personnel and the university. This is a great chance for the university and the people of Leeds. I look forward to visiting the collection in 2 years time.''