The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program, aimed at sustainably improving profitability. The program includes reducing positions, introducing a new operating model, streamlining Group structures, and digitalizing key processes to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making processes, and lower the cost base. The goal is to achieve sustainable improvement in 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 consultation with employee representatives. The Leifheit Group currently employs about 960 people, approximately 360 of whom are in Germany. The FOCUS program is expected to show first positive effects in fiscal year 2027 and lead to sustainable annual cost savings of EUR 7.5 million from fiscal year 2028 onward. Implementation costs are estimated at up to EUR 9.6 million, of which about EUR 5.4 million will impact earnings in 2026.
Preliminary figures for the first half of 2026 show a declining market and weak consumer sentiment. The Group achieved preliminary turnover of EUR 116.3 million (H1 2025: EUR 123.4 million) and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR -2.7 million (H1 2025: EUR 2.0 million). Reindler commented: “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.”
Given the declining market and H1 performance, 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 expected at EUR 0 million (previously EUR 10.0 million), including special items. Excluding FOCUS program effects, 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). The performance program lays the foundation for sustainable profitability improvement.
More information is available at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
