Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
10 October 2005



                   ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED ELSEVIER PLC

          Disclosure of Interest in Voting Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC

Reed Elsevier PLC received today a notification dated 3 October 2005, in
accordance with Part VI of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended), that the
interest of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and certain of its affiliates in
the ordinary shares of Reed Elsevier PLC is 128,102,776 shares, representing
10.04% of the Company's current issued share capital of which 63,761,398 shares,
representing 4.99% of the Company's share capital are held by Capital Guardian
Trust Company.


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