Tycoon of Pets Corner Trapped in £100M Divorce Battle With Wife While Courting New Love

Dean Richmond, the CEO of Pets Corner, finds himself in a bitter £100 million divorce dispute with his spouse of a decade, as uncovered by MailOnline. He has also started a relationship with a newer, younger partner.

Mr Richmond, aged 52, separated from his spouse Karen in October last year and vacated the spacious five-bedroom £3 million residence in Sussex they once shared with their three children.

He currently resides just a short ten-minute drive away in an elegant £4 million home with seven bedrooms, where his newfound love, the attractive model Sarah Louise Wiffen, who is 38 years old, reportedly spends most of her time according to their close acquaintances.

The disputing spouses have already made appearances at the High Court for two separate divorce proceedings, with an additional one set for later this year. A concluding hearing is slated for ten days in April of next year.

Mr Richmond, famous for his extravagant way of life, manages one of the biggest chains of pet shops in the UK, operating through approximately 160 outlets nationwide. These shops collectively generate nearly £100 million annually.

Sources told MailOnline that his marriage started unravelling in 2023 when Karen developed Breast Implant Illness (BII) caused by breast implants she had more than a decade earlier reacting adversely to her body.

The source said: 'Dean started spending more time away from home, jet setting around the globe for business and holidays while Karen was suffering from medical conditions caused by her breast implants. It put a huge strain on their marriage, things were not good at home for quite a while, and it all came to a head last year.

'She's the one that asked him to move out and said that she wanted a divorce because she couldn't take it anymore.'

Karen was once a model who has graced the pages of publications like Glamour, Harper's Bazaar, and Esquire.

She has openly discussed her struggle with BII and her choice in 2023 to have her breast implants removed. She currently identifies as an 'explant supporter' and works as a wellness coach.

In a podcast discussion, she disclosed that the BII symptoms she experienced encompassed persistent exhaustion, hair shedding, irregular heartbeat sensations, enlarged lymph glands, fluid deficit, and heightened nervousness.

After undergoing surgery to remove her breast implants, she shared on Instagram, "Reflecting now, I feel much healthier; all those previous issues have vanished. My body was essentially telling me it couldn’t handle them anymore. Despite clear warning signs, I tended to ignore them since I loved having breast implants."

Once inhabited by the Spice Girls, the ex-family residence of this couple sits within five acres of beautifully maintained gardens offering breathtaking vistas of the Sussex landscape. This half-timbered style house also features amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, a movie theater room, and a subterranean bar.

Karen has stayed in the property with the family’s three children, who are 17, 12, and 8 years old respectively.

A person who works for her family mentioned to MailOnline that she was trying hard to deal with the conclusion of the relationship but stated, "When anyone experiences such a situation, it inevitably leaves a mark."

After accepting the marriage was over, Mr Richmond was introduced to his new love interest Sophie by mutual friends and is said to be serious about his new relationship.

A tipster disclosed that she has already encountered his three kids and frequently stays for extended durations at his newly acquired residence, an impressive former rectory offering views of the South Downs and a nearby vineyard.

The estate spans across 8,000 acres and comprises five living areas, four baths, along with facilities for a private gym and beautifully maintained gardens.

The source mentioned: "Not many individuals have the means to purchase an additional property such as this one, which underscores just how affluent Dean is. In a brief period, Sophie has integrated herself deeply into his daily routine and practically relocated into his latest residence. She consistently spends her time there, and everyone on the staff recognizes her presence."

'However, he also wishes to stay engaged in his children's daily routine; therefore, he purchased this lovely residence situated very near to the family home.'

Sophie, known for her glamorous image, has posed for brands like Bentley. She also counts TV presenter Joel Dommett and his partner Hannah Cooper, along with ex-Love Island contestant Arabela Chi, among her acquaintances.

Mr. Richmond declined to make any remarks when questioned by MailOnline regarding his new relationship, yet he hinted that Karen might be responsible for disclosing details about their divorce process.

He said: 'Has my wife sold you a story? She would be desperate for publicity. It's a private matter and there's nothing I have to say about it.'

However, he mentioned that he desired their divorce to be resolved swiftly and 'amicably.'

Before amassing his fortune, he encountered Karen when she was in her middle twenties. They were set up on a blind date organized by their shared acquaintances.

In an interview with Hello magazine, Karen shared: "When we first encountered one another, we both felt that this connection was extraordinary, and we instantly fell deeply in love."

In 2015, they got married in a simple ceremony at the Chichester registry office. It is reported that Karen has been crucial in assisting Mr. Richmond’s achievements due to her extensive experience in running businesses.

Born in Dundee to a Scottish mother and an Iranian father, she grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, prior to relocating to the UK at 18 to pursue studies in business administration. Besides her modeling career, she has also served as a commercial account director for Elle magazine in Paris.

Mr Richmond began his journey in the pet business because of his parents, Mark and Sandra, who operated Pets Corner—a modest family-run pet store located in Haywards Heath, Sussex. They initiated this venture back in the late 1960s with an initial investment of £2,000.

When their enterprise grew to include six stores, he managed one location in Brighton at 19 years old. Eventually, he purchased all the outlets from his parents for £600,000 in 1998 when he was only 25.