BIC Cristal ball pen celebrates 50th U.S. Anniversary

SHELTON, Conn. The BIC Cristal ball pen was first introduced to the American consumer in 1959 and cost 19 cents a pen.

Despite an inflation rate of 622% since that time, the price of the pen has never changed. The Cristal ball pen has been a best seller from the very beginning. Today, U.S. retailers sell approximately 400,000 BIC Cristal ball pens everyday; 146 million pens per year.

"To celebrate this important milestone in the company's history, BIC is launching an exciting promotion called 'Search for the Pen with the Golden Ink,'" said Joseph Franzino, senior brand manager - Stationery, BIC Consumer Products USA.

Beginning in June 2009, when a consumer purchases a specially marked package of BIC Cristal ball pens, they have a chance to find a BIC Cristal ball pen that writes in gold ink within the package -- this indicates that they are one of fifty potential prize winners and will receive a 14K Gold Bullion Bar worth approximately $1,000. Visit www.bicsearchforthegoldenink.com for more details.

BIC is a leading international distributor of stationery products, lighters and shavers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more than 50 years, BIC has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands in the world.  Visit BIC at www.bicworldusa.com.