Leifheit AG has revised its full-year 2026 forecast following preliminary financial results for the first nine months, as persistent consumer reluctance and market decline weigh on performance. The company now expects Group turnover to decline in the mid-single-digit percentage range compared with the previous year's EUR 232.6 million, and Group EBIT to fall to between EUR -5 million and -6 million, down from the previously anticipated EUR 0 million. The forecast includes special items of approximately EUR 7 million related to the FOCUS performance 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 2 million. Free cash flow for the full year is projected at between EUR -1 million and -2 million, compared with the previously expected EUR 0 million and EUR 6.4 million in the prior year.
Despite the challenging market environment, Leifheit managed to gain market share in its core business and strengthen its competitive position. However, the continued consumer reluctance led to a decline in turnover in the third quarter as well. For the first nine months of 2026, the Group generated turnover of EUR 169.1 million, down from EUR 179.0 million in the same period of 2025. Group EBIT amounted to EUR -2.9 million, including special items of EUR 2.0 million from the FOCUS program, compared with EUR 5.4 million in the prior-year period. In the third quarter alone, Group EBIT stood at EUR -0.2 million, versus EUR 3.4 million in Q3 2025.
In response to the sustained pressure, Leifheit is accelerating the implementation of its FOCUS performance program, which aims to structurally transform the Group and reduce costs. The program includes the introduction of a new operating model, streamlining of Group structures, targeted digitalisation of key processes, and a reduction in staff numbers. Implementation will result in one-off personnel and non-personnel expenses totalling up to EUR 9.6 million, but is expected to yield initial positive effects from 2027 and permanent recurring annual cost savings exceeding EUR 8 million from 2028 onwards. CEO Alexander Reindler stated that the market environment remains challenging, which is why Leifheit is accelerating its transformation, and that the strategic initiatives launched will be consistently pursued in the fourth quarter.
Additionally, 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 early as of 31 December 2026. Stefan De Loecker, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, explained that consolidating responsibilities at Management Board level streamlines decision-making, increases organisational agility, and contributes to sustainable cost reduction. He acknowledged Mr Iraeta Munduate's key role in developing the Operations division and driving efficiency, supply chain, and digitalisation initiatives.
Leifheit continues to drive its brand relaunch, modernising product presentation at the Point of Sale both in-store and online, and tailoring the marketing of innovations to changing consumer needs. The company, founded in 1959, is one of the leading European 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.
