Seventeen years after being famously rejected by investors on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, British hairbrush brand Tangle Teezer has been acquired by French consumer goods powerhouse Bic in a deal valued at €200 million. The acquisition marks a remarkable turnaround for the company, which has grown from a fledgling startup to a global haircare leader.
Founded in 2007 by former hairdresser Shaun Pulfrey, now 63, Tangle Teezer initially faced scepticism from Dragons’ Den panellists, including Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden. Despite the rejection, the brand’s brief appearance on the show sparked a surge in online sales, setting the stage for its rapid expansion.
Known for its innovative detangling brushes, which are designed to smooth hair with minimal damage, Tangle Teezer has become a household name in over 75 countries. The company reported revenues of £53.5 million in 2023, doubling its turnover over the past four years, while pre-tax profits rose 1% to £4.93 million.
For Bic, best known for its ballpoint pens, the acquisition represents a strategic move to strengthen its position in the €4.5 billion global hairbrush and comb market. Gonzalve Bich, Bic’s CEO, described the deal as an opportunity to “redefine personal grooming” by combining Tangle Teezer’s expertise with Bic’s consumer-first approach. “Together, we aim to create personalised haircare solutions that enhance daily routines,” he said.
Bic, which already has a strong presence in the beauty and grooming sector through its razors and Bodymark temporary tattoo markers, views Tangle Teezer as a key addition to its portfolio. The French group believes the acquisition will enable it to capitalise on the fast-growing personal care industry, particularly in the dynamic haircare segment.
James Vowles, CEO of Tangle Teezer, highlighted Bic’s proven ability to deliver simple, affordable products that meet consumer needs as a key factor in the partnership. “Bic stood out as the ideal partner for the next phase of our growth,” he said.
The deal follows a 2021 transaction in which private equity firm Mayfair Equity Partners acquired a majority stake in Tangle Teezer, valuing the company at approximately £70 million. At the time, Pulfrey sold the bulk of his shares, capping a journey that saw him transform a rejected idea into a multi-million-pound global brand. Today, Tangle Teezer’s brushes are a staple in bathrooms worldwide, a testament to the company’s resilience and innovation.
