BIC

World leader in ballpoint pens, Bic is a reference brand in stationery. Its first product, Bic Cristal, seduced the whole world with its simplicity and reliability. Economical, light in hand and capable of writing for more than two kilometres, it has sold more than 100 billion copies.

History. Bic® is a shortened version of the name of its founder: Marcel Bich. He opened a factory for spare parts for fountain pens and mechanical pencils with his partner Edouard Buffard in 1945. And it was in 1950 that Marcel Bich launched his classic, the Bic® Cristal® ballpoint pen. From 1954 onwards, Bic expanded internationally (Italy, Brazil, United Kingdom, North America and Scandinavia) by acquiring foreign subsidiaries (Waterman Pen, Bro Swan). Then, in 1972, the group went public. The following year saw the famous Bic lighter appear, and 1975 the famous little disposable razor. During its development, the BIC Group explored new markets (coloring, sports, correction, fountain pens, adhesive labels) through the acquisition of companies such as Sheaffer, Pimaco, Tipp-Ex or Antalis. It also continued its expansion in Eastern Europe and Asia, thanks to partnerships with, for example, Cello Pens in India.

The products. Pens, correctors, highlighters, classic, electronic, case, razor lighters... In 2008, Bic also launched its mobile phone, the Bic Phone, and in 2012, the Bic Education, a digital learning tool for schools.

The competitors. Pilot, Staedtler, Paper Mate, Reynolds.