Between illusion and liquidation – What the KSV statement on myWorld International AG really means for investors

The latest statement from the Kreditschutzverband (KSV) on the insolvency of myWorld International AG initially sounds like a sober assessment of the situation. KSV1870 is an independent creditor protection association with a legally established, state-recognised status in Austrian commercial and insolvency law. But for marketers and customers, the crucial question is: What use is this information now that the restructuring plan has failed and the company has been ordered to close?

Restructuring plan failed – liquidation proceedings initiated

The insolvency court has ordered the closure and liquidation of the company. This makes it clear that

• business operations will not continue.
• The insolvency administrator will liquidate the existing assets and distribute them according to their legal ranking.
• For investors, this means that an insolvency quota is unlikely given the economic situation.

Causes of insolvency according to the debtor

The KSV announcement lists the causes of the insolvency from the company’s perspective:

• Declining sales.
• Cost reductions (relocation, staff cuts) did not bring about a turnaround.
• An ‘intensified wave of lawsuits from customers’ with claims for reimbursement placed a considerable strain on liquidity.
• No more commission payments from cooperation partners to independent sales partners.
• Decline in purchasing behaviour in an already tense economic environment.

This self-portrayal is typical: general market conditions and external factors are emphasised, while structural problems with the business model are pushed into the background. It is of little help to those affected, as it offers no realistic prospect of returns.

Duty of the insolvency administrator to reclaim unlawful payments

An important aspect for former marketers and sales partners:

According to Section 114 of the Insolvency Code (IO), the insolvency administrator is obliged to increase the insolvency estate. This also includes the reclamation of commissions that were paid unlawfully or are contestable.

Legal basis:

• Payments can be reclaimed in particular under the contestation provisions (Sections 27 et seq. IO) if they disadvantage creditors or were made without legal basis.
• Practical application: However, whether the insolvency administrator takes action in individual cases depends on the economic expediency.
• Consequence:
  • For small commission recipients, the risk of a claim for repayment is low.
  • For leading marketers and organisers, on the other hand, there is a considerable risk, as the sums involved are significant and can often be proven.

What options are left for ordinary marketers?

1. Documentation: The KSV notice is useful as an official document to prove in subsequent proceedings that the company itself acknowledges waves of lawsuits and outstanding commissions.
2. Change of strategy: Instead of hoping for a share of the insolvency estate, those affected should check whether there are secondary liability routes, such as through managing director liability, affiliated companies or possible creditor discrimination.

Conclusion

The KSV announcement is not a glimmer of hope for investors, but confirmation of the end:

• myWorld Austria GmbH is being liquidated.
• A quota is not to be expected.
• The only value now lies in documenting the causes.
• Leading marketers also run the risk of commission payments being retroactively contested and reclaimed.

For marketers, this means: The focus should no longer be on the insolvency estate, but on the question of whether those responsible and affiliated companies can be held liable.

Note: This article is intended solely for informational purposes, journalistic analysis and independent opinion-forming within the meaning of Article 5 of the German Basic Law and Section 51 of the German Copyright Act (UrhG) (right to quote). All information is based on publicly available sources, official announcements and careful editorial research. Despite the utmost care, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information contained herein.

Sources

• KSV1870, announcement regarding the insolvency of myWorld Austria GmbH, August 2025.
• Decision of the Graz Insolvency Court, restructuring plan rejected, closure ordered (as of 13 August 2025).
• Insolvency Code (IO) Austria, Sections 27 ff., Section 114.