Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
29 October 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 28 October 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 127,980,366 shares, representing 10.05% of the
Company's current issued share capital.






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