Dutch Ruling in SOBI case

Reed Elsevier PLC
20 November 2003





                                                                20 November 2003


           Issued on behalf of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV

     Reed Elsevier NV receives Dutch Enterprise Chamber ruling in SOBI case


In a ruling announced today, the Enterprise Chamber of the Court of Appeals in
Amsterdam has dismissed the claim made by Stichting Onderzoek Bedrijfs
Informatie (SOBI) that the Annual Report and Financial Statements 2001 of Reed
Elsevier NV should be amended.


Reed Elsevier has consistently rejected the claims made by SOBI in respect of
its 2001 accounts and is pleased with the Enterprise Chamber's ruling.


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