Director Shareholding

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
8 December 2000


Notification of a director's interest in shares, following appointment to
the Board of Reed International PLC.

As a consequence of the appointment of Mr Gerard van de Aast to the Board of
Reed International P.L.C. on 7 December, we have today received notification of
the following interests held by Mr van de Aast as at the date of his
appointment, in Reed International P.L.C. and Elsevier NV ordinary shares.


(a) Executive share options

Options held at the date of appointment, under the Reed Elsevier plc Executive
Share Option Scheme:

Date of      No. of Reed                No. of Elsevier Options   Exercisable
Grant        International Options      at EURO 14.87 per share       
             at 638p per Share

1.12.2000         50,940                     35,866                 2003-2010


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

(b)  Long-Term Incentive Options

Options held at the date of appointment, under the Reed Elsevier plc Senior
Executive Long-Term Incentive Scheme:


Date of      No. of Reed                No. of Elsevier Options   Exercisable
Grant        International Options      at EURO 14.87 per share       
             at 638p per Share

1.12.2000        509,404                      358,658                2005


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