BIC_Registration_Document_2017

PROFILE AND STRATEGY

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● ● historical international footprint in both developed and developing markets: • BIC is present in more than 160 countries with a strong presence in developing markets, thanks notably to its quality products, accessible to asmany people as possible, • BIC innovates with distribution adapted to the poorest populations; ● ● on-going and sustained productivity improvement policy: • the modernization and continuous rationalization of its production facilities allow BIC to maintain its worldwide competitiveness at the highest level and reduce its environmental footprint; ● ● a complete and solid international distribution network (stationery stores, office supplies companies, mass-merchandisers, convenience stores, distributors, wholesalers and cash-and-carry outlets, E-commerce, etc.); ● ● a solid balance sheet and a clear use of cash strategy, including: • internal development, through focused capital expenditures, • external growth, through bolt-on strategic acquisitions in order to: • acquire a technology not yet held by the Group,

ince the creation of the Company in 1944, BIC ‘s corporate responsability and operational and financial performance have relied on several fundamental strategic pillars: ● ● quality and value product positioning; ● ● a large and diversified product portfolio aimed at answering consumers’ needs: • our classic products are functional, reliable and affordable, manufactured using the minimum raw materials, They are designed to serve a very precise function and they offer the best value for money with a good environmental performance, • our value-added products are aimed at answering the growing demand for more sophisticated goods, • our responsible products use alternative or recycled raw materials; ● ● innovation: in 2017, BIC realized 11% of its net sales through new products (1) ; recognized brands: • BIC®, Tipp-Ex®, Wite-Out®, BIC® Kids, BIC® Matic, BIC® Ecolutions® (responsible products), Cello®, BIC Graphic; ● ●

• enter a new market segment, • enter a new geographic area; • regular shareholder remuneration.

(1) A product is considered as new during the year of its launch and the three following years.

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BIC GROUP - 2017 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT