Brussels, 12/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised the Belgian airport service company, AviaPartner NV, to acquire a 50% participation in the Scandinavian airport groundhandling firm, Novia Holding, a stake acquired from LFV Holding AB. The operation thus allows the Belgian company to take over joint control of Novia with the Danish company Maersk Air A/S. Aviapartner is an independent company that assures a wide range of groundhandling services in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. Created in 1998 by LFV and Maersk Air, a subsidiary of AP Moler, Novia is specialised in ground airport services in Scandinavia, provides services to passengers and ramp and station services, as well as ticketing, lounge, cargo and mail. Given that the activities of the parties do not overlap, the Commission raises no objection to the operation taking place.