Leifheit AG has revised its full-year 2026 forecast downward and will accelerate the implementation of its FOCUS performance program, the company announced on October 21, 2026. The decisions follow preliminary financial results for the first nine months that showed continued pressure from weak consumer and market trends, and they come alongside a reduction of the Management Board from three members to two.
For the first nine months of 2026, the Leifheit Group reported turnover of EUR 169.1 million, down from EUR 179.0 million in the same period of 2025. Group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell to EUR -2.9 million from EUR 5.4 million a year earlier, including EUR 2.0 million in special items tied to the FOCUS program. In the third quarter alone, Group EBIT was EUR -0.2 million, compared with EUR 3.4 million in the prior-year quarter. Despite the decline, Leifheit said it gained market share in its core business and strengthened its competitive position.
The Management Board now expects a mid-single-digit percentage decline in Group turnover for 2026, compared with EUR 232.6 million in the previous year, citing continued market decline despite positive momentum expected in the fourth quarter. Group EBIT is forecast at between EUR -5 million and -6 million, down from the previously anticipated EUR 0 million. The guidance includes approximately EUR 7 million in special items related 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 now projected at between EUR -1 million and -2 million, compared with a previously anticipated EUR 0 million and EUR 6.4 million in the prior year.
As part of the restructuring, the Supervisory Board has resolved to reduce the Management Board 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 the Management Board level streamlines decision-making, increases organizational agility, and contributes to sustainable cost reduction. He credited Iraeta Munduate with playing a key role in developing the Operations division and driving efficiency, supply chain, and digitalization initiatives.
CEO Alexander Reindler said the challenging market environment is precisely why Leifheit is accelerating its transformation. The FOCUS program, which includes a new operating model, streamlined Group structures, targeted digitalization, and staff reductions, is proceeding according to plan. Implementation will result in one-off personnel and non-personnel expenses totaling 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 is also continuing its brand relaunch, modernizing product presentation at the point of sale and tailoring innovation marketing to changing consumer needs.
The announcement matters for investors and industry observers because it shows a established European household goods brand taking decisive action to protect profitability during a prolonged consumer downturn. The upfront costs are significant, but the targeted savings of more than EUR 8 million annually from 2028 could materially improve Leifheit's cost base and competitiveness. For now, the company's near-term financial performance remains under pressure. The original release is available via www.newmediawire.com, and more information on Leifheit and its Soehnle brand can be found at www.soehnle.de.
