How Bondi Sands’ founders turned a “beautifully simple” idea into a global brand that sold for millions

Scaling a global brand means founders must become “obsessed” with all facets of their business and “get the right people around the company”, says Bondi Sands co-founder Shaun Wilson.

Wilson was this week reflecting on achieving a multimillion-dollar exit for the suncare brand he co-founded 11 years ago, recalling the “remarkable” journey that he and co-founder Blair James have been on as they have taken their Australian-made self-tanning and SPF products around the world. 

Their determination to create high quality products, with affordable prices and what Wilson calls a “strong Australian lifestyle positioning” has proven successful, with the company revealing on Tuesday it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by multinational Kao Group, in a cash deal that has been reported to be worth $450 million. 

Bondi Sands is now the largest manufacturer and exporter of tanning and SPF products in Australia, and the deal means the company can enter its “next chapter” of growth with Kao, says Wilson, who will stay on as chief executive following the acquisition, along with James who will continue in the role of creative director.