Leifheit AG (ISIN DE0006464506) today announced the approval of its FOCUS performance program by the Management Board and Supervisory Board, aimed at sustainably improving profitability and competitiveness. The program includes a reduction of up to 70 positions, a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, and targeted digitalization of key processes. These measures are designed to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making processes, and lower the cost base in the long term. The company expects annual cost savings of approximately EUR 7.5 million starting in 2028, with initial positive effects anticipated as early as fiscal year 2027. Implementation will incur special items totaling up to EUR 9.6 million, of which about EUR 5.4 million will impact earnings in 2026.
Alexander Reindler, CEO of Leifheit AG, 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. We aim to increase our effectiveness and, with an agile organization, lay the groundwork for sustainable, profitable growth.” The Group currently employs about 960 people, with approximately 360 in Germany. The reduction will be carried out in stages and in close consultation with employee representatives to ensure social responsibility.
The announcement comes as Leifheit reported preliminary results for the first half of 2026 that fell below expectations. The Group faced a declining market and weak consumer sentiment, achieving preliminary turnover of EUR 116.3 million (down from EUR 123.4 million in H1 2025) and an EBIT loss of EUR 2.7 million (compared to a profit of EUR 2.0 million in H1 2025). Reindler noted, “Our business development in the second quarter fell short of our expectations. This makes it even more important for us to act decisively now: With FOCUS, we are improving the Group’s operational efficiency and resilience. At the same time, we are consistently driving forward our strategic growth initiatives - through innovations in our core segments, such as the expansion of our successful Black Line and the launch of the Pegasus Rock Solid standing dryer, as well as enhanced marketing activities in collaboration with our retail partners.”
Consequently, the Management Board has adjusted its forecast for the full year 2026. Group turnover is now expected to be slightly below the prior year’s EUR 236.2 million, versus previous guidance of slight growth. EBIT is expected at EUR 0 million for the year, down from an earlier forecast of EUR 10.0 million, due to special items from the FOCUS program. Excluding these items, EBIT before special items is projected at EUR 5.4 million. Free cash flow is now expected at EUR 0 million, compared to the prior forecast of EUR 6.4 million. The performance program is intended to lay the foundations for sustainable profitability improvement.
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.
