The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with Supervisory Board approval, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program to sustainably improve profitability. The program includes position reductions, a new operating model, streamlined structures, and targeted digitalization to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making, and lower the cost base. The goal is to enhance competitiveness, profitability, and resilience.
CEO Alexander Reindler stated: "We are realigning the Leifheit Group to a structurally changed market environment. This requires short-term adjustments to our organization in order to be more successful in the long term. With FOCUS, we are making Leifheit simpler, faster, and more customer focused."
The organizational changes will involve a Group-wide reduction of up to 70 positions, implemented in stages with employee representatives. Leifheit currently employs about 960 people, with around 360 in Germany. The program is expected to generate first positive effects in 2027 and sustainable annual cost savings of EUR 7.5 million from 2028 onward. Total implementation costs are estimated at up to EUR 9.6 million, with approximately EUR 5.4 million impacting 2026 earnings.
Preliminary H1 2026 results show Group turnover of EUR 116.3 million (H1 2025: EUR 123.4 million) and EBIT of EUR –2.7 million (H1 2025: EUR 2.0 million), reflecting a declining market and weak consumer sentiment. Reindler noted: "Our business development in the second quarter fell short of expectations. With FOCUS, we are improving operational efficiency and resilience while driving growth initiatives through innovations like the Black Line expansion and Pegasus Rock Solid standing dryer."
Consequently, the Board adjusted its 2026 forecast: Group turnover is now expected slightly below the prior year's EUR 236.2 million (previously slight growth). Group EBIT is forecast at EUR 0 million (previously EUR 10.0 million), including special items from FOCUS; excluding those, EBIT before special items is expected at EUR 5.4 million. Free cash flow is now expected at EUR 0 million (previously EUR 6.4 million).
Leifheit AG, founded in 1959, is a leading European brand supplier of household items, operating in Household, Wellbeing, and Private Label segments. Its brands include Leifheit and Soehnle. More information is available at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
