BIC Graphic history

The first "practical" writing pens, such as developed by Lewis Waterman in 1884, began to appear in the late 19th century.

Biro and brother George, a chemist, began working on a prototype for a new type of ball-point pen, coming up with their first design by 1938.

By 1943, the Biros had developed a workable design, filed for a patent, and set up a company to begin manufacturing the pens.

1944 - Marcel Bich and Édouard Buffard set up business creating writing instrument parts.

In 1945, Bich and partner Edouard Buffard bought a pen factory in Clichy, near Paris, launching production of fountain pens and mechanical pencils.

But Bich was determined to launch a new ball-point pen design, and in 1950 acquired the patent rights from the Biro brothers.

1951 - BIC establishes its presence in Belgium.

By 1952, Bich had succeeded in creating his own design—a streamlined pen made of clear plastic that was far less prone to leaking than existing designs, was able to write upside down, and could reportedly draw a line more than two kilometers long.

1953 - Société BIC is created.

1954 - BIC enters Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Spain.

1956 - BIC launches the BIC® M10® retractable pen.

That entry came in 1958, when Bic paid $1 million to acquire a 60 percent stake in the Waterman Pen Company, based in Connecticut.

1959 - BIC enters the Scandinavian market.

Raymond Savignac creates a character with a ballpoint head for the "Nouvelle Bille" (new ballpoint) campaign in 1960.

1961 - Raymond Savignac creates BIC's iconic BIC Boy logo.

1965 - BIC enters the Japanese market.

In the following years more and more orders came and in 1969 the BIC Graphic division was formed in Europe.

1970 - BIC launches the BIC® 4-Color™ pen.

After going public with a listing on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1972, Bic launched a new international success: a disposable cigarette lighter.

1973 - BIC launches the first BIC® full-size pocket lighter with an adjustable flame.

In 1975, Bic became the first to introduce a one-piece disposable razor.

A French color and drawing supply brand renowned since 1794, Conté® has been part of the BIC Group since 1979.

By 1982, however, the younger Bich had taken over as the United States subsidiary's CEO.

Norwood Promotional Products acquired RCC in 1991 and continued to grow the KOOZIE® line of products.

Year acquired by BIC: 1992

1993 - BIC launches BIC® Evolution®, a graphite and coloring pencil made with recycled materials.

Marcel Bich died in 1994, and Bruno Bich took his place as company chairman.

Bic also moved to take firmer control of its flagship United States subsidiary, increasing its stake to nearly 90 percent in 1995, and removing its stock market listing.

1997 - BIC purchases the Tipp-Ex® brand, the leading European brand of correction products.

Saget, Estelle, "Bruno Bich ou le mondialisation a visage humain," L'Expansion , May 28, 1998.

Under the younger Bich, Bic regrouped around its core product categories of writing materials, lighters, and razors, selling off its clothing and fashion holdings; that process was completed in 2001 with the sale of the Guy La Roche brand.

2002 - BIC launches a range of Multi-Purpose Lighters.

In 2004 the BIC® Sticky Notes family was launched, recognized by customers as the best complement for their writing instruments.

Troise, Damian J., "Restructuring Hits Société Bic's Profits," New Haven Register , March 4, 2005.

2006 - BIC purchases Pimaco®, adding adhesive labels to its stationery offerings in Latin America.

In 2009, BIC Graphic purchased Norwood and its sub-brands.

2011 - BIC partners with TerraCycle in Europe, a pioneer in collecting and reusing non-recyclable waste.

2012 - BIC establishes a subsidiary in Dubai to manage Middle East operations and allow direct communication with customers and consumers.

2013 - BIC opens a lighter facility in China, better positioning the business to supply the fast-growing Asian lighter market.

Year fully acquired by BIC: 2015

2018 - BIC enters the temporary tattoo market with the launch of BodyMark® By BIC® temporary tattoo markers in North America.

2019 - BIC expands its Shaver product offerings with BIC® Made For YOU®, a North American range of unisex shavers, shave cream, face lotion and body lotion.