Between symbolism and substance – Why lawsuits against Lyconet/myWorld in Italy have little chance of success
Lawsuits are now being filed in various countries, including Spain, Poland, Italy and others. Today, we will focus on the situation in Italy.
For the following assessments, we contacted an Italian law firm specialising in commercial law and had them examine the general situation; the following points summarise their basic assessment and our own analysis.
The insolvency of myWorld International AG (Austria) and its affiliated companies Lyoness Europe AG and Lyconet International AG (both Switzerland) has also left its mark in Italy. According to the insolvency administrator’s edict of 1 September 2025, the available assets are not sufficient to cover the claims. For ordinary creditors, this means that no repayments are likely to be expected from the insolvency proceedings themselves.
Nevertheless, law firms and consumer protection associations are offering those affected the opportunity to take legal action in Italy. But how sensible is this, given the published capital structure of the companies there?
Companies with small capital reserves
There are three operating companies in Italy:
- Lyoness Italia S.r.l. – share capital: €50,000, 100% owned by Lyoness Europe AG (CH)
- Lyconet Italia S.r.l. – share capital: €10,000, 100% owned by Lyconet International AG (CH)
- myWorld Italia S.r.l. – Share capital: €10,000, 100% owned by myWorld International AG (AT)
Two of these three companies only have the minimum legal capital. Even Lyoness Italia, with €50,000 in capital, appears unlikely to be able to pay significant damages if hundreds or thousands of injured parties assert claims.
Legal action in the country – legally possible, but economically unlikely to succeed
Consumers in Italy can take legal action, for example for breach of contract, recovery of payments or damages. This is legally permissible; proceedings can also secure evidence or prepare judgements against members of the executive body.
Economically, the problem remains according to the current state of the files:
- The equity capital of the Italian companies is too low.
- There are hardly any assets that can be seized.
- The parent companies in Austria and Switzerland are already insolvent and, according to a statement by the insolvency administrators dated 1 September 2025, do not have sufficient assets.
Parallel strategies as the (only) lever
Law firms therefore emphasise that lawsuits in Italy can only be part of the overall strategy. Parallel to this, the following are underway, among other things:
- Criminal charges on suspicion of fraud (e.g. in Verona and Vienna).
- Examination of liability claims against decision-makers – including Hubert Freidl – based on current knowledge.
Only if assets in Austria or abroad are traced in parallel is a possible payment realistic.
What those affected can expect
Realistically, victims should not expect any repayments from the Italian companies at present. Their capital reserves are too small, and the insolvency of the parent companies deprives them of their basis.
Possible outcomes of lawsuits:
- Judgments in Italy that can later serve as a basis for taking action against board members or other companies.
- Criminal consequences for those responsible, which may also indirectly strengthen the civil law position of the injured parties.
Conclusion
Lawsuits in Italy have symbolic and strategic significance for injured parties, but based on the current state of the case files, they offer little prospect of repayment in the short term. The insolvency proceedings of 1 September 2025 clearly showed that the assets are insufficient. Those who nevertheless decide to take legal action should do so with realistic expectations – it is less about immediate payments and more about documentation, determining liability and exerting legal pressure on those responsible.
Note:
This article is based on publicly available sources, documented complaints from investors and an official press enquiry to Blocktrade. It is a journalistic analysis. All statements about legal risks or possible contractual constellations are to be understood as assessments, not as conclusive legal advice. Those affected should seek legal advice in case of doubt.
Source:
- PULS24: ‘Restructuring proceedings for myWorld: Learjet to be sold’, report on assets/liabilities and creditor situation, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- ORF Steiermark: ‘myWorld: Insolvency proceedings opened – overview of creditors and assets’, 5 September 2025.
- KSV1870 insolvency file: myWorld Austria GmbH – insolvency proceedings, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- AKV Europa: ‘myWorld International AG – bankruptcy proceedings opened’, case report incl. PDF, 5 September 2025.
- AKV Europa: ‘Lyconet Austria GmbH – bankruptcy proceedings opened’, 6 August 2025.
- KSV1870 Insolvency File: Lyconet Austria GmbH – Bankruptcy, accessed on 6 August 2025.
- ORF Steiermark: ‘Lyconet Austria GmbH insolvent: 565 creditors affected’, 6 August 2025.
- Die Presse: ‘Lyconet insolvent – distribution company files for bankruptcy’, 6 August 2025.
- Weekend Magazine: ‘Lyconet Austria files for insolvency’, 6 August 2025.
- Moneyhouse: Lyoness Europe AG in liquidation, extract from the Swiss commercial register, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- ZEFIX – Central Company Index Switzerland: Lyoness International AG in liquidation, SHAB publications, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- Ufficiocamerale: myWorld Italia S.r.l., turnover in 2023 €13,434,503, ~35 employees, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- Ufficiocamerale (detailed extract): myWorld Italia S.r.l., share capital €10,000, 2023 result –€1,569,957, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- FatturatoItalia: ‘myWorld Italia S.r.l. – 2023 financial statements’, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- ReportAziende: ‘myWorld Italia S.r.l. – dati economici’, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- Ufficiocamerale: Lyoness Italia S.r.l. (REA VR-368174), balance sheet data for 2022, accessed on 5 September 2025.
- Visura.pro: Lyoness Italia S.r.l. – Share capital €50,000, 2020 results, accessed on 5 September 2025.
Ufficiocamerale: Lyconet Italia S.r.l.
- (REA VR-435170), turnover 2023 €3,383,205, ~5 employees, accessed on 05.09.2025.
- Visurissima: Lyconet Italia S.r.l., share capital €10,000, accessed on 05.09.2025.
- Acquirenti APS / Studio Legale Leone-Fell: ‘FAQ – Azione Collettiva contro Lyconet/MyWorld’, webinar documentation, issue 09/2025.
- TrendingTopics: ‘myWorld applies for restructuring proceedings – 116 employees, 2,049 creditors affected’, 4 September 2025.
- NEW BUSINESS: ‘Insolvency at myWorld – Background and data’, 4 September 2025.
- FinTelegram: ‘Lyoness/myWorld – Chronicle of an insolvency’, critical analysis with reference to the Supreme Court, 09/2025.





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