Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
06 June 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 June 2005, in accordance
with Part VI of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended), that the interest of
Prudential plc and certain of its subsidiary companies in the ordinary shares of
Reed Elsevier PLC is 39,858,771 shares, representing 3.12% of the Company's
current issued share capital of which holding 38,360,219 shares, representing
3.00% of the Company's share capital are held by its subsidiary company, The
Prudential Assurance Company Limited.




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