The Management Board of Leifheit AG (ISIN DE0006464506), with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program. The program aims to sustainably improve profitability through reduction of positions, a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, and targeted digitalization of key processes. These measures are intended to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making processes, and lower the cost base in the long term, ultimately enhancing the Group's competitiveness, profitability, and resilience.
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 organizational changes will require a Group-wide reduction of up to 70 positions, implemented in stages and in close consultation with employee representatives to ensure social responsibility. The Leifheit Group currently employs about 960 people, approximately 360 of whom are in Germany.
The FOCUS program is expected to show its first positive effects in the financial year 2027 and lead to sustainable, recurring annual cost savings of EUR 7.5 million from the financial year 2028 onwards. However, implementation will incur personnel and other operating expenses of up to EUR 9.6 million in total, with about EUR 5.4 million impacting earnings in 2026.
Preliminary figures for the first half of business year 2026 show that the Leifheit Group faced a declining market and weak consumer sentiment. Preliminary turnover was EUR 116.3 million (H1 2025: EUR 123.4 million), and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were EUR –2.7 million (H1 2025: EUR 2.0 million). 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... 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."
Given the declining market and H1 performance, the Board of Management has adjusted its turnover forecast for the full year 2026. Group turnover is now expected to be slightly below the previous year's figure of EUR 236.2 million, compared to the earlier forecast of slight growth. Furthermore, due to special items from the performance program, Group EBIT is now expected to be EUR 0 million for the full year 2026, down from the previous year's EUR 10.0 million. Excluding FOCUS program effects, an EBIT before special items of EUR 5.4 million is expected. Free cashflow is now forecast at EUR 0 million, versus the previous year's EUR 6.4 million.
More information on Leifheit is available online at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
