Tender Offer

Reed International PLC
Elsevier NV
8 January 2001


ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED INTERNATIONAL PLC and ELSEVIER NV

REED ELSEVIER INC EXTENDS HARCOURT TENDER OFFER

NEW YORK (January 8, 2001) Reed Elsevier Inc. ('Reed Elsevier') today
announced an extension of the expiration date of its tender offer for all
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share and all
outstanding shares of series A cumulative convertible stock, par value $1.00
per share of Harcourt General, Inc. (NYSE: H) from 12:00 midnight, New York
City time on Monday, January 8, 2001 until 12:00 midnight, New York City time
on Thursday, February 8, 2001.

The offer is being extended to accommodate the regulatory review processes and
the offer may be further extended in due course.  The transaction is expected
to be completed in the first quarter of 2001, subject to the regulatory
review.

Reed Elsevier has been advised by Citibank, N.A., the Depositary for the
tender offer, that as of the close of business on January 5, 2001,
approximately 19,412,369 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc. and
approximately 485,910 shares of series A cumulative convertible stock had been
validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.

For further information, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the
Information Agent for the tender offer, at [phone].