BIC Canada Pulls Controversial TV Ad

Ad began airing nationally on Monday, August 13, 2012 in English-Speaking Canada

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - BIC Canada has pulled a controversial TV Ad in response to consumers who were offended by the ad. The ad for BIC pens depicted a man condemning prisoners.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120816/NY58822LOGO )

Kevin Murphy, vice president of sales, marketing and operations for BIC Canada, said: "After hearing from consumers that they found the ad offensive, we made the decision to pull the ad on Tuesday, August 14, 2012. We have now been informed by our advertising agency that the ad has been completely pulled from all TV shows.

"Right now we are focused on communicating to our consumers," added Murphy.
"The following response has been emailed to consumers since Tuesday:
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the BIC Canadian TV commercial that began airing in Canada on Monday, August 13, 2012. Please accept our sincere apologies, as it was never our intention to offend anyone with this advertisement. We have pulled this commercial from our media plan and will discontinue airing it immediately. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us."

Murphy added, "Our BIC Communications Team also posted the following on Twitter, Wednesday, August 15, 2012: "Please accept our apologies for the recent Canadian TV ad. We didn't intend to offend anyone with this ad, and have discontinued airing it." Link to this tweet: https://twitter.com/BICComm.

Editor's Note: The ad was not shown online or in any social media; it was aired on TV nationally in English-speaking Canada, beginning Monday, August 13, 2012. BIC Inc. (Canada) is a subsidiary of BIC Corporation, a leading distributor of stationery products, lighters and shavers.

Image with caption: "BIC Canada Pulls Controversial TV Ad (CNW Group/BIC Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120816_C7742_PHOTO_EN_16953.jpg

SOURCE: BIC Canada

Linda K. Kwong, [email protected], [phone] (office), [phone] (cell); or Jill Johnson, [email protected], [phone] (office), [phone] (cell)

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120816/NY58822LOGO

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