the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and Spain, followed by South America and North America. In 1973, Bic introduced a disposable pocket lighter that could provide 3,000 lights before wearing out. In 1975, the brand released the one-piece polystyrene razor, the first single-piece disposable razor with an integrated blade and a lightweight plastic handle. The company formed by Bich still exists as the Société Bic Group and is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange and majority-owned by his family. Bich stepped down as Chairman of Societe Bic in 1993. He was succeeded by his son, Bruno, who served as chairman for 25 years, 15 of which also as CEO. Marcel's grandson Gonzalve Bich has been CEO since 2018. Yacht racing and sailing Bich was a keen sailor. He funded four campaigns to compete in the trials to select a challenger for the America's Cup in 1970, 1974, 1977 and 1980, and was inducted, posthumously, into the America's Cup Hall of Fame in 1998. Personal Bich was one of three children, he had a sister Marie Thérèse Louise Antoinette Léandra Bich (1913–1970) and brother Albert Bich (1916–1989). He was married to Louise Chamussy in 1937. After her death in 1950 he went on to marry Jacqueline de Dufourq (1911–2007, divorced) and, in 1956, Laurence Courier de Mère (1932–). He had 11 children. Death He died on 30 May 1994 in Paris, aged 79. His first wife, Louise Chamussy, died in 1950. He was survived by his wife, Laurence Courier de Mere, 11 children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. References External links BIC Corporate History Obituary, The Independent 1914 births 1994 deaths 20th-century French businesspeople 1970 America's Cup sailors French male sailors (sport) Italian emigrants to France University of Paris alumni 1974 America's Cup sailors 1977 America's Cup sailors 1980 America's Cup sailors French Air Force personnel of World War II