# Bic

> French manufacturing company

**Wikidata**: [Q795981](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q795981)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bic)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bic

## Summary
Bic is a French manufacturing company founded in 1945, specializing in the production of ballpoint pens, lighters, and other writing instruments. Headquartered in Clichy, France, it is known for its iconic BIC Cristal ballpoint pen and has a significant presence in the global market.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1945 by Marcel Bich.
- Headquartered in Clichy, France, near Paris.
- Produces ballpoint pens, lighters, and other writing instruments.
- Owned by Sheaffer, an American manufacturer of writing instruments.
- Employees: 8,176, 10,449, and 14,934 (historical data).
- Website: [bic.com](https://bic.com/).
- Aliases: Société BIC, Societe Bic, Bic Corporation, Bic pen company.
- Sitelink count: 35.
- Wikipedia title: Bic.
- Wikidata description: French manufacturing company.

## FAQs
- **What products does Bic manufacture?** Bic produces ballpoint pens, lighters, and other writing instruments, including the popular BIC Cristal disposable ballpoint pen.
- **Where is Bic headquartered?** Bic is headquartered in Clichy, a commune in Hauts-de-Seine, France, near the capital city of Paris.
- **Who founded Bic?** Bic was founded by Marcel Bich, a co-founder of the company.
- **What is Bic’s relationship with Sheaffer?** Sheaffer owns Bic, and Bic is a subsidiary of Sheaffer, an American manufacturer of writing instruments.
- **What is Bic’s most famous product?** Bic’s most famous product is the BIC Cristal disposable ballpoint pen, introduced in 1950.

## Why It Matters
Bic plays a significant role in the global market for writing instruments and lighters, with its products widely used in personal and professional settings. The company’s innovations, such as the BIC Cristal pen, have become cultural icons, influencing writing instrument design and consumer behavior. Bic’s operations in France and its ownership by Sheaffer highlight its international presence and industrial significance.

## Notable For
- Pioneering the disposable ballpoint pen market with the BIC Cristal.
- Operating in the pulp and paper industry, contributing to the manufacturing of writing instruments.
- Being a subsidiary of Sheaffer, an American writing instrument manufacturer.
- Producing lighters alongside ballpoint pens, expanding its product range.

## Body
### History
Bic was founded in 1945 by Marcel Bich in Clichy, France. The company quickly gained recognition for its ballpoint pens, particularly the BIC Cristal, introduced in 1950. This product became a global success, influencing the disposable pen market.

### Products
Bic manufactures a variety of products, including ballpoint pens, lighters, and other writing instruments. The BIC Cristal is one of its most iconic products, known for its reliability and affordability.

### Ownership and Subsidiaries
Bic is owned by Sheaffer, an American manufacturer of writing instruments. Sheaffer acquired Bic, and Bic operates as a subsidiary of Sheaffer. This relationship has allowed Bic to expand its market reach globally.

### Industry and Market
Bic operates in the pulp and paper industry, producing materials for writing instruments. The company’s products are widely used in personal and professional settings, contributing to its significant market presence.

### Locations
Bic is headquartered in Clichy, France, near the capital city of Paris. The company’s operations are closely tied to its French origins, reflecting its historical and cultural roots.

### Related Entities
Bic is related to several key entities, including:
- **Sheaffer**: An American manufacturer of writing instruments that owns Bic.
- **Clichy**: The commune in Hauts-de-Seine, France, where Bic is headquartered.
- **Paris**: The capital and most populous city in France, near Bic’s headquarters.
- **France**: The country where Bic is based and operates.
- **OTC Markets Group**: An American financial market providing price and liquidity information for over-the-counter securities.

### Competitive Landscape
Bic competes in the writing instrument and lighter market, with its products facing competition from other manufacturers. However, its iconic BIC Cristal pen has maintained a strong brand presence.

### Financial Data
Bic has reported varying numbers of employees over time, including 8,176, 10,449, and 14,934, reflecting its growth and operational changes.

### Cultural Impact
Bic’s products, such as the BIC Cristal pen, have become cultural icons, influencing writing instrument design and consumer preferences. The company’s innovations have shaped the disposable pen market.

### Future Outlook
Bic continues to operate as a subsidiary of Sheaffer, with a focus on manufacturing writing instruments and lighters. The company’s future outlook is tied to its parent company’s strategies and market demands.

## References

1. SIRENE
2. Open ISNI for Organizations
3. Google Knowledge Graph
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.bicworld.com/en/2017-integrated-report-bic-model)
6. Global LEI Index
7. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
8. GRID Release 2017-04-04
9. [2020](https://www.gleif.org/content/4-lei-data/8-lei-mapping/1-download-bic-to-lei-relationship-files/bic_lei_gleif_v1_monthly_full_20200327.csv)
10. YouTube API
11. CollectieGelderland