Leifheit AG has lowered its full-year 2026 guidance and will accelerate the implementation of its FOCUS performance program, the company announced after reassessing its preliminary financial results for the first nine months. The revision underscores the deepening toll of persistent consumer reluctance and a shrinking market on the German household goods maker, and signals that its restructuring will be more aggressive than previously planned.
For the first nine months of 2026, the Leifheit Group generated turnover of EUR 169.1 million, down from EUR 179.0 million in the same period of 2025. Group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell to EUR -2.9 million from EUR 5.4 million a year earlier, including EUR 2.0 million in special items tied to the FOCUS program. In the third quarter alone, Group EBIT was EUR -0.2 million, compared with EUR 3.4 million in the prior-year quarter.
Despite the downturn, Leifheit said it gained market share in its core business and strengthened its competitive position. The company attributed the sales decline to continued weak consumer demand, which weighed on turnover in the third quarter as well.
For the full year 2026, the Management Board now expects Group turnover to decline in the mid-single-digit percentage range compared with the previous year's EUR 232.6 million, despite positive momentum anticipated in the fourth quarter. Group EBIT is projected between EUR -5 million and -6 million, a sharp reversal from the previously anticipated EUR 0 million. The forecast includes approximately EUR 7 million in special items related to the FOCUS program and provisions for the early termination of the Chief Operating Officer's contract. Excluding these one-off effects, EBIT before special items is expected to be around EUR 1 million to EUR 2 million. Free cash flow for the full year is now expected between EUR -1 million and -2 million, compared with a previously anticipated EUR 0 million and EUR 6.4 million in the prior year.
In a related move, the Supervisory Board resolved to reduce the Management Board from three to two members. Igor Iraeta Munduate, Chief Operating Officer, and the Supervisory Board mutually agreed to terminate his employment early as of 31 December 2026. Stefan De Loecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said consolidating responsibilities at Management Board level streamlines decision-making, increases organisational agility and contributes to sustainable cost reduction. He credited Iraeta Munduate with advancing the Operations division and driving efficiency, supply chain and digitalisation initiatives.
CEO Alexander Reindler said the challenging market environment is precisely why Leifheit is accelerating its transformation. The FOCUS program, which includes a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, targeted digitalisation and staff reductions, is proceeding according to plan. The program will incur one-off personnel and non-personnel expenses of up to EUR 9.6 million, but is expected to yield initial positive effects from 2027 and permanent recurring annual cost savings exceeding EUR 8 million from 2028. Leifheit is also continuing its brand relaunch, modernising product presentation at the point of sale and tailoring innovation marketing to changing consumer needs. More information is available at www.leifheit.de and www.soehnle.de.
