Bra wars: Lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone's ex-husband sets up rival underwear firm with woman at centre of couple's split

Michelle Mone and ex-husband Michael, pictured in 2011 (Rex Features)

The ex-husband of Michelle Mone, the lingerie tycoon, has set up a rival underwear firm in partnership with the woman at the centre of the couple’s split.

Ms Mone, 42, creator of the Ultimo push-up bra, and husband Michael, 45, divorced in January, after Michelle accused him of having an affair with Samantha Bunn, a designer at the company.

Ms Bunn, 32, was fired by Michelle, over her relationship with Michael but she received a £10,000 pay off last year after threatening to launch a case for unfair dismissal.

Now Michael has set up a lingerie firm, Pendulum Apparel and hired Ms Bunn as his senior designer.

Michael Mone confirmed that his website pendulum-apparel.com will sell “lingerie and swimwear” from a registered HQ in Dumbreck, Glasgow.

According to The Sun, a source said: “This is a slap in the face for Michelle. Michael is really experienced and Samantha is one of the hottest designers. It seems like a dream combination.”

According to public accounts, Mr Mone owned just under 48 per cent of the £50 million-valued Ultimo’s company shares - one more than his wife.

Michelle Mone wrestled back control of the company in February when she agreed to buy her former husband’s share in the firm for £24 million.

Before the split, the businesswoman reportedly hired a private investigator to photograph her husband with Ms Bunn.

Mr Mone denied cheating, saying: “Prior to our split, there was no relationship. If anyone is saying that is the reason for the split, that is untrue.”