Directors' Notification of Dealing in Shares

Reed International PLC
4 May 2000

LETTER TO: COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFICE

We are writing to advise you that we received notification yesterday of the
following transactions in Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV ordinary
shares, by directors of Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV.

(a) Options under the Executive Share Option Scheme

The following grants have been made under the Reed Elsevier plc Executive Share
Option Scheme:

Date of Grant      Director   No. of Reed     No of Elsevier     Exercisable
                              International   shares over which
                              shares over     an option has been
                              which an option granted at £10,73
                              has been        per share
                              granted at 
                              436.5p per
                              share

2.5.2000       C H L Davis        171,821           120,245     2003-2010
2.5.2000       M H Armour          88,202            61,726     2003-2010
2.5.2000       D J Haank           51,368            35,949     2003-2010

Exercise of the above options is subject to the earnings per share performance
conditions, as described in the company's Annual Financial Statements.

(b) Options under the Long-Term Incentive Scheme

The following grants have been made under the Reed Elsevier plc Senior Executive
Long-Term Incentive Scheme:

Date of Grant      Director   No. of Reed     No of Elsevier     Exercisable
                              International   shares over which
                              shares over     an option has been
                              which an option granted at £10,73
                              has been        per share
                              granted at 
                              436.5p per
                              share

2.5.2000       C H L Davis       1,718,213          1,202,446    2005
2.5.2000       M H Armour          882,016            617,256    2005
2.5.2000       D J Haank           513,680            359,485    2005

Exercise of the above options is subject to the Total Shareholder Return
performance conditions, as described in a circular to shareholders dated 21
March 2000.

FROM: REED INTERNATIONAL P.L.C.