Holding(s) in Company

Reed Elsevier PLC
02 August 2005



                     ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED ELSEVIER PLC

2nd August 2005

          Disclosure of Interest in Voting Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC



Reed Elsevier PLC received today a notification dated 1 August 2005, in
accordance with Part VI of the Companies Act 1985 (as amended), that the
interest of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. and certain of its affiliates in
the ordinary shares of Reed Elsevier PLC is 129,962,002 shares, representing
10.19% of the Company's current issued share capital of which holding 64,853,724
shares, representing 5.08% of the Company's share capital are held by its
affiliate, Capital Guardian Trust Company.






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