Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
5 February 2004


To: RNS


          Disclosure of Interest in Voting Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC

I am writing to inform you that we received today a notification dated 
4 February 2004, in accordance with Part VI of the Companies Act 1985 (as
amended), that the interest of The Capital Group Companies, Inc and its
affiliates, in the ordinary shares of Reed Elsevier PLC is 64,427,335 shares,
representing 5.07% of the Company's current issued share capital.

From: L Dixon
      Deputy Secretary
      Reed Elsevier PLC


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