Trading Statement

Reed Elsevier PLC
15 November 2007



                                  News Release

           Issued on behalf of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV

                                                     0700 (GMT) 15 November 2007


                    REED ELSEVIER PROVIDES UPDATE ON TRADING

Reed Elsevier today reaffirmed that it is on track to deliver in 2007 on its
goal of a minimum 10% growth in adjusted earnings per share at constant
currencies.


The Elsevier, LexisNexis and Reed Business divisions are performing well with
good underlying revenue growth as they execute against their online and workflow
solution strategies.  Revenue growth and firm cost management are improving
operating margins across the business. A wide ranging programme to drive further
cost efficiency is well in hand and will contribute to continued underlying
margin improvement in future years.


The disposals of the Harcourt Assessment and Harcourt US Schools Education
businesses are on track and are expected to be completed in late 2007/early 2008
following US regulatory approvals.  The aggregate net proceeds for the sale of
the Harcourt Education division of approximately $4.0bn will be returned to
shareholders by way of special dividend following completion.


Sir Crispin Davis, Chief Executive Officer, said: 'The business is performing
well with strong demand for our online information and workflow solutions.  The
sale of the Harcourt Education division is on track and moves us closer to our
goal of Reed Elsevier becoming a more cohesive and synergistic business driving
continued market success, earnings growth and growing return on capital.'



The performance trends in Reed Elsevier's businesses are as follows:


Elsevier: Subscription renewals are very strong and there is good demand for our
expanding online services.  The second half medical publishing programme is
going well with good growth in particular in the nursing and health professional
sectors.  Pharma advertising markets remain weak, but represent a relatively
small part of the business.


LexisNexis: Strong demand continues for online information subscriptions and new
solutions sales in US and international legal markets.  US corporate and public
markets continue to see higher volumes of patent applications and good growth in
risk information and analytics.


Reed Business: The exhibitions business has continued to perform strongly in
favourable markets.  The magazine and information business is delivering overall
solid growth with rapid growth in online sales more than compensating for the
decline in print.


Harcourt Education (presented as discontinued businesses for 2007): The basal
business has performed well in US state textbook adoptions, particularly in
secondary school markets.  The Assessment business has made significant progress
in performance and profitability through improved operational efficiency.


This announcement contains forward looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the US Securities Act 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the US
Securities Exchange Act 1934, as amended.  These statements are subject to a
number of risks and uncertainties and actual results, and events could differ
materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward
looking statements.  The terms 'expect', 'should be', 'will be' and similar
expressions identify forward looking statements.  Factors which may cause future
outcomes to differ from those foreseen in forward looking statements include,
but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Reed Elsevier's markets;
exchange rate fluctuations; customers' acceptance of our products and services;
the actions of competitors; legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments;
changes in law and legal interpretations affecting Reed Elsevier's intellectual
property rights and internet communications; and the impact of technological
change.


                                    - ends -


Enquiries

Sybella Stanley             Tel: [phone]
(Investors)


Patrick Kerr                Tel: [phone]
(Media)



Notes to editors

Reed Elsevier Group plc

Reed Elsevier Group plc is a world leading publisher and information provider.
It is owned equally by its two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed
Elsevier NV.  The parent companies are listed on the London, Amsterdam and New
York Stock Exchanges, under the following ticker symbols: London: REL;
Amsterdam: REN; New York: RUK and ENL.  In 2006, Reed Elsevier made adjusted
profit before taxation of £1,052 million on turnover of £5,398 million.  The
group employs 36,000 people, including approximately 20,000 in North America.
Operating in the scientific, legal, educational and business-to-business
sectors, Reed Elsevier provides high value and flexible information solutions to
professional end users, with increasing emphasis on internet delivery.


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange