Directors' Dealings

REED INTERNATIONAL PLC
ELSEVIER NV
2 September 1999


Letter to Company Announcements Office

We have today received notification of the following grant of options over
shares in Reed International P.L.C and Elsevier NV, following the appointment of
Mr Crispin Davis as Chief Executive Officer of Reed Elsevier Plc:

Executive Share Option Scheme

Date of    Director      No. of Reed         No. of Elsevier       Exercisable
Grant                    International       shares over which 
                         shares over which   an option has been 
                         an option has been  granted at EUR12.00 
                         granted at 467p     per share 
                         per share

1.9.99     C H L Davis   321,199             191,550               50% 2002-2009
                                                                   25% 2003-2009
                                                                   25% 2004-2009

Longer Term Incentive Plan

Date of    Director      No. of Reed         No. of Elsevier       Exercisable
Grant                    International       shares over which 
                         shares over which   a nil cost option  
                         a nil cost option   has been granted    
                         has been granted

1.9.99     C H L Davis   535,332             319,250               2002


Letter for and on behalf of Reed International Plc