Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
11 July 2005

                     ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED ELSEVIER PLC



          Dislcosure of Interest in Voting Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC



Reed Elsevier PLC received today a notification dated 8 July 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 128,592,375 shares, representing 10.08% of the
Company's current issued share capital of which holding 63,617,497 shares,
representing 4.99% of the Company's share capital are held by its affiliate,
Capital Guardian Trust Company.






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