Leifheit AG has revised its full-year 2026 forecast downward and is accelerating the implementation of its FOCUS performance program, the company announced on Wednesday. The move comes as the German household goods maker reported preliminary nine-month results that reflected continued weak consumer demand and a challenging market environment.
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 last year. Group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell to EUR -2.9 million from EUR 5.4 million, including EUR 2.0 million in special items related to the FOCUS program. In the third quarter alone, EBIT stood at EUR -0.2 million, compared with EUR 3.4 million a year earlier.
Despite the decline, Leifheit said it managed to gain market share in its core business and strengthen its competitive position, even as consumer reluctance weighed on demand. The company now expects a mid-single-digit percentage decline in Group turnover for the full year, compared with EUR 232.6 million in 2025, and Group EBIT of between EUR -5 million and -6 million. Previously, EBIT of EUR 0 million had been anticipated. The forecast includes approximately EUR 7 million in special items tied 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 projected at between EUR -1 million and -2 million, down from a previously anticipated EUR 0 million and EUR 6.4 million in the prior year.
In a related move, the Supervisory Board has resolved to reduce the Management Board from three to two members. Igor Iraeta Munduate, Chief Operating Officer, and the Supervisory Board have mutually agreed to terminate his employment effective December 31, 2026. Stefan De Loecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said consolidating responsibilities at board level will streamline decision-making, increase organisational agility and contribute to sustainable cost reduction. He credited Iraeta Munduate with playing a key role in developing the Operations division and driving efficiency, supply chain and digitalisation initiatives.
CEO Alexander Reindler said the company is accelerating its transformation precisely because the market environment remains challenging. The FOCUS program, which includes a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, targeted digitalisation and staff reductions, is proceeding according to plan. Implementation will result in one-off personnel and non-personnel expenses of up to EUR 9.6 million, offset by initial positive effects from 2027 and permanent recurring annual cost savings expected to exceed EUR 8 million from 2028 onward.
Leifheit, founded in 1959, is one of Europe's leading brand suppliers of household items, with brands including Leifheit and Soehnle. More information is available at www.leifheit.de and www.soehnle.de. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
