Leifheit AG: Leifheit reports first quarter growth despite weak consumption

Leifheit AG / Quarter Results11.05.2010 08:30Dissemination of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted byDGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Leifheit reports first quarter growth despite weak consumption- EBIT increases to EUR 4.7 million (Q1/2009: EUR 2.6 million) - Result for the period of EUR 3.1 million ahead of budget (Q1/2009: EUR1.4 million)- Consolidated turnover increased to EUR 75 million (Q1/2009: EUR 70million)- Tighter focus on core business Nassau, 11 May 2010 - Leifheit AG presents its report today on the firstquarter of 2010. With focused marketing and communication activities, thecompany has again boosted all key components of turnover and earnings. EBITwas significantly increased to EUR 4.7 million (Q1/2009: EUR 2.6 million),while results for the period soared to EUR 3.1 million (Q1/2009: EUR 1.4million).Strong growth in resultsDespite the continuing tense consumer mood, Leifheit grew turnoverworldwide in Q1/2010 by 7% to EUR 75 million (Q1/2009: EUR 70 million). Thedomestic share rose from 44% to 47%. Besides the rise in turnover, the slimmed-down organisational and coststructure and currency effects led to a significant increase in EBIT to EUR4.7 million (Q1/2009: EUR 2.6 million). This not only got Leifheit off to asuccess start in 2010, but also outperformed budget.Gross margin was increased from the previous year to 44.1% (Q1/2009:41.8%), and EBT increased EUR 2.2 million to EUR 4.2 million.Household Products division: reliable growthThe traditionally strong Household Products division against made adecisive contribution to the Group's success in the period under review.The Leifheit, Dr. Oetker Bakeware, Soehnle, Birambeau and Herby brandsboosted their turnover 4% compared to the previous year to c. EUR 55million (Q1/2009: EUR 53 million).While growth was primarily concentrated in Germany, with turnover of EUR 25million (Q1/2009: EUR 23 million), sales also developed very positively inBelgium, Austria and the USA. The laundry care category was particularlysuccessful, confirming the success of the focus strategy. Given theeconomic conditions, it was still too soon for the eastern European marketsto share in the growth.The restructuring measures completed last year led to a substantialincrease to EUR 3.7 million in the Household Products division'scontribution to consolidated EBIT (Q1/2009: EUR 2.3 million).Bathroom Furnishings division returns to growthThe three Bathroom Furnishings brands Spirella, Kleine Wolke and Meuschshowed clear growth in the first quarter, with turnover rising to EUR 20million (Q1/2009: EUR 17 million), representing 27% of consolidatedturnover. The domestic share grew significantly from the previous year to52% (Q1/2009: 47%). Double-digit growth was also achieved in Austria,Belgium, Spain and Russia. The Kleine Wolke brand was particularlysuccessful, growing turnover 30% as a result of special campaigns.As a result, the Bathroom Furnishings division boosted its contribution toconsolidated EBIT to EUR 1.8 million (Q1/2009: EUR 1.3 million).Leifheit strategy: maintaining a consistent focus The heart of the strategy is the focus on the four core business areascleaning, laundry care, kitchen and scales, which have been the biggestsource of the company's success to date and also promise a successfulfuture. Another part of this strategy is that Leifheit will dispose ofbusiness areas outside these core areas, as favourable opportunities arise.Last year, the ladders business was sold for this reason. At the same time,the company intends to further strengthen and grow its core businessthrough strategic acquisitions. By implementing this strategy, the companywill give Leifheit brands a sharper profile in the market, ultimatelycontributing to increased awareness among customers and resulting increasedturnover in the core business.Additional information is available in the financial report for the firstquarter 2010 to 31 March, athttp://www.leifheit.de/en/investor-relations/publications/financial-reports.html. Contact:Leifheit AGD-56377 +49 2604 97721811.05.2010 Ad hoc announcement, Financial News and Media Release distributed by DGAP.Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language:     EnglishCompany:      Leifheit AG              Leifheitstraße              56377 Nassau              DeutschlandPhone:        02604 977-0Fax:          02604 977-340E-mail:       :     www.leifheit.comISIN:         DE0006464506WKN:          646450Listed:       Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr              in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hannover, München, Hamburg, Stuttgart End of News                                     DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------