AGM Statement

Reed Elsevier PLC
23 April 2008









           Issued on behalf of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV



                                                           For immediate release

                                                                   23 April 2008





  Chairman's Statement, Annual General Meetings of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed
                                  Elsevier NV



Jan Hommen, Chairman of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, told
shareholders at the Reed Elsevier PLC meeting in London today:



'We were very pleased to report on a year of significant achievement and
strategic development for Reed Elsevier in 2007.  Our businesses performed well
in their markets and saw rapid growth in our online information services and
customer workflow solutions.  The financial performance was strong, with good
organic revenue growth and margin improvement, high cash generation and a
further step-up in return on invested capital.  We also significantly re-shaped
the business portfolio with the successful £2.5 billion/€3.6 billion sale of the
Harcourt Education division and subsequent return of the net proceeds to
shareholders.



In the new financial year we have stepped up the momentum with the announcement
of important plans to accelerate growth:  first, the planned divestment of the
Reed Business Information trade magazines and information businesses to reduce
our exposure to advertising markets and their cyclicality; secondly, the agreed
£2.1 billion/€2.8 billion acquisition of ChoicePoint Inc. in the fast growing
risk information and analytics market; and, thirdly, a major restructuring
programme to deliver substantial cost savings over and above our regular annual
improvements in cost effectiveness.



The changes we are making create a more cohesive and synergistic business with
stronger, more consistent growth prospects to drive further shareholder value.'



Looking at the trading outlook for 2008, Mr. Hommen commented:



'Trading conditions have changed little since our 2007 Preliminary Results
statement in February.  Conditions in our markets remain generally favourable
with good subscription renewals and revenue momentum for online information and
workflow solutions.   While we are, of course, very alert to the current
economic environment, so far we have seen no meaningful adverse impact on Reed
Elsevier's overall business momentum.



In Elsevier, in both the Science and Technology and Health Sciences divisions,
subscriptions renewals and online sales are progressing well and book publishing
is expanding.  The Health Sciences business is again expecting good growth from
new publishing and backlist sales, though this will be mostly seen in the second
half due to the seasonality of the business.



LexisNexis has seen good revenue momentum across the business.  In US Legal
Markets good demand continues for online information and our expanding portfolio
of workflow solutions.  The Risk Information and Analytics business continues to
grow strongly.  International growth outside the US is benefiting from the
strong demand for online services in the UK and other European and Asian
markets.



Reed Exhibitions has had a positive start to the year.  It has seen good overall
demand for the important first half shows.



The Reed Business Information magazine and information business, while seeing
some general uncertainty in markets such as property and construction, is seeing
no overall shift in market trends with continued strong growth in online
services more than offsetting the slow decline in print.  Preparatory work on
the divestment of this business is well underway.



The acquisition of ChoicePoint Inc., announced on 21 February 2008, is expected
to close in the second half subject to receipt of US regulatory approvals.   The
ChoicePoint shareholders approved the terms of the acquisition at their
shareholders' meeting on 16 April 2008.



The restructuring programme announced in February is on track to deliver the
expected benefits in 2008 and beyond.



The outlook for Reed Elsevier is positive.  We are well positioned in attractive
markets; the momentum in the business is showing through in the good financial
performance, and the changes we are making will strengthen the business and
accelerate our growth.'





This statement contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the US Securities Act 1933, as amended, and Section 21 E of the US
Securities Act 1934, as amended.  These statements are subject to a number of
risks and uncertainties and actual results and events could differ materially
from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward looking
statements.  The terms 'expect', 'should be', 'will be' and similar expressions
identify forward looking statements.  Factors which may cause future outcomes to
differ from those foreseen in forward looking statements include, but are not
limited to: general economic conditions and business conditions in Reed
Elsevier's markets; exchange rate fluctuations; customers' acceptance of its
products and services; the actions of competitors; legislative, fiscal and
regulatory developments; changes in law and legal interpretation affecting Reed
Elsevier's intellectual property rights and internet communications; and the
impact of technological change; or the failure to obtain regulatory approval for
the acquisition of ChoicePoint Inc.





For media enquiries contact:

Patrick Kerr, Reed Elsevier, tel. [phone]





Notes to Editors:



About Reed Elsevier



Reed Elsevier Group plc is a world leading publisher and information provider.
It is owned equally by its two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed
Elsevier NV.  The parent companies are listed on the London, Amsterdam and New
York Stock Exchanges, under the following ticker symbols: London: REL;
Amsterdam: REN; New York: RUK and ENL.  In 2007, Reed Elsevier had revenues from
its continuing operations of £4.6bn.  The group employs 32,000 people, including
approximately 16,000 in North America. Operating in the scientific, medical,
legal, risk and business-to-business sectors, Reed Elsevier provides high value
and flexible information solutions to professional end users, with increasing
emphasis on internet delivery.




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