Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
02 November 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 13 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 114,569,167 shares, representing
8.97% of the Company's current issued share capital of which 63,760,098 shares,
representing 4.99% of the Company's share capital are held by Capital Guardian
Trust Company.


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