Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
12 July 2004



12 July 2004



                     ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED ELSEVIER PLC

          Disclosure of Interest in Voting Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC



Reed Elsevier PLC received today a notification dated 9 July 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 116,190,559 shares, representing 9.13% of the Company's current
issued share capital.






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