Directors' Notification of Dealing in Shares

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
3 May 2000



LETTER TO COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFICE

We are writing to advise you that we received notification yesterday that 
Mr R J Nelissen, a director of Reed International PLC and Elsevier NV, purchased
the following shares on 28 April 2000:

 5,000 Elsevier NV ordinary shares at an average price of Euro 10.69 per share

The above shareholding represents Mr Nelissen's entire interest in the share
capitals of Reed International PLC and Elsevier NV

From:  L Dixon (Deputy Secretary)