Secondary Listings Cancelled

Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV
16 May 2002



            Issued on Behalf of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV


                       CANCELLATION OF SECONDARY LISTINGS


Following a review of the arrangements for the secondary stock exchange listings
of the shares of the respective companies, the Boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and
Reed Elsevier NV have decided to simplify the listings of their respective
companies.  In view of the minimal trading volumes through the secondary
listings, Reed Elsevier PLC, a company established in the United Kingdom, will
cancel its secondary listing on Euronext Amsterdam, and Reed Elsevier NV, a
company established in The Netherlands, will cancel its secondary listing on the
London Stock Exchange.  It is expected that the delistings will take effect on
Monday 17 June 2002.


Following cancellation of the above secondary listings, Reed Elsevier PLC will
continue to maintain its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and Reed
Elsevier NV will continue to maintain its primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam.
Reed Elsevier PLC's and Reed Elsevier NV's shares will also continue to be
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, in the form of American Depositary
Shares.



                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange