Leifheit AG Approves FOCUS Performance Program to Boost Profitability, Adjusts 2026 Forecast

The Management Board of Leifheit AG, with Supervisory Board approval, has resolved the objectives and key elements of the FOCUS performance program, designed to sustainably improve profitability and competitiveness. The program includes position reductions, a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, and targeted digitalization of key processes. These measures aim to reduce complexity, shorten decision-making processes, and lower the cost base long-term, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately EUR 7.5 million starting in 2028.

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, with approximately 360 in Germany. The implementation of these measures is expected to incur personnel and other operating expenses of up to EUR 9.6 million in total, of which approximately EUR 5.4 million will impact earnings in 2026.

In the first half of 2026, the Leifheit Group faced a declining market and weak consumer sentiment, achieving preliminary turnover of EUR 116.3 million (down from EUR 123.4 million in H1 2025) and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR –2.7 million (compared to EUR 2.0 million in H1 2025). 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: 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 in collaboration with our retail partners.”

Due to the declining market and first-half performance, the Board of Management has adjusted its turnover forecast for full year 2026. Group turnover is now expected to be slightly below the previous year’s figure of EUR 236.2 million, whereas slight growth had previously been forecast. Earnings and free cash flow will be impacted by special items from the performance program, leading to an expected Group EBIT of EUR 0 million for 2026 (previously forecast at EUR 10.0 million). 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, down from the previous forecast of EUR 6.4 million.

For more information about Leifheit AG, visit www.leifheit-group.com.