The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with Supervisory Board approval, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program, aimed at sustainably improving profitability. The program includes position reductions, a new operating model, streamlined structures, and targeted digitalization to reduce complexity and lower the cost base. Expected annual cost savings of approximately EUR 7.5 million are anticipated from 2028 onward, with initial positive effects in 2027. Implementation will involve up to 70 position reductions out of the current 960 employees, conducted in stages with employee representatives.
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 program is expected to incur total special items of up to EUR 9.6 million, with EUR 5.4 million impacting 2026 earnings.
Leifheit also released preliminary H1 2026 figures, reporting turnover of EUR 116.3 million (down from EUR 123.4 million in H1 2025) and EBIT of EUR -2.7 million (down from EUR 2.0 million). The company attributed the decline to a weak market and consumer sentiment. Despite this, Leifheit continues its growth initiatives, including innovations in core segments such as the Black Line expansion and the Pegasus Rock Solid standing dryer, alongside enhanced marketing with retail partners.
Due to the market conditions and first-half performance, Leifheit adjusted its full-year 2026 forecast. Group turnover is now expected to be slightly below the prior year’s EUR 236.2 million, compared to previous expectations of slight growth. EBIT for 2026 is forecast at EUR 0 million, impacted by special items from FOCUS, versus the prior forecast of EUR 10.0 million. Excluding special items, EBIT is expected at EUR 5.4 million. Free cash flow is now projected at EUR 0 million, down from a prior forecast of EUR 6.4 million. The company emphasizes that the FOCUS program lays the foundation for sustainable profitability improvement.
More information on Leifheit is available at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
