Romance novel publisher Harlequin Enterprises Ltd. announced yesterday it will take over full ownership of its operations in Germany. The Toronto-based company, which is owned by Torstar Corp., has done business through CORA Verlag in Hamburg for more than 30 years in a joint venture with European multimedia company Axel Springer AG. The terms of the deal to acquire the remaining 50 per cent stake were not disclosed. Harlequin publishes in 32 languages in 114 markets around the world. Overseas business accounts for just under half of Harlequin's overall revenue, which reached $493.3-million in 2009.