The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with Supervisory Board approval, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program to sustainably improve profitability. The program includes reducing positions, introducing a new operating model, streamlining Group structures, and digitalizing key processes. These measures are intended to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making processes, and lower the cost base long-term. The aim is to achieve sustainable improvement in competitiveness, profitability, and resilience.
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 organizational changes will require a Group-wide reduction of up to 70 positions, implemented in stages and in consultation with employee representatives. Leifheit currently employs about 960 people, with around 360 in Germany. The FOCUS program will show first positive effects in fiscal year 2027 and lead to sustainable, recurring annual cost savings of EUR 7.5 million from fiscal year 2028 onwards. Implementation expenses are expected to total up to EUR 9.6 million, with approximately EUR 5.4 million impacting earnings in 2026.
In the first half of 2026, preliminary Group 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 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: 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."
Due to a declining market and first-half performance, Leifheit adjusted its full-year 2026 forecast. Group turnover is now expected to be slightly below the previous year's EUR 236.2 million, compared to previously expected slight growth. Group EBIT is now expected at EUR 0 million (previously at previous year's EUR 10.0 million), including special items from the FOCUS program. Excluding those effects, EBIT before special items is expected at EUR 5.4 million. Free cash flow is now expected at EUR 0 million, down from the previous forecast of EUR 6.4 million.
The FOCUS program lays the foundation for sustainable improvement in profitability. More information on Leifheit is available online at www.leifheit-group.com, www.leifheit.de, and www.soehnle.de.
