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RELX
Annual Report 2011

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FY2011 Annual Report · RELX
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Annual Reports and 
Financial Statements  
2011

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www.reedelsevier.com

1441_Reed_Covers_Final.indd   18

08/03/2012   18:32

 
 
 
 
 
 
Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider  
of professional information solutions. 

We leverage deep customer understanding to  
deliver demonstrably improved outcomes to our 
professional customers.

We do this by combining content and data with  
analytics and technology in global platforms,  
sharing institutional skills, assets and resources 
across Reed Elsevier.

Contents

1 

7 

Overview
1  Chairman’s statement
2 
4 

2011 highlights
 Chief Executive Officer’s 
report

Business review
8  Reed Elsevier
10  Elsevier 
14  LexisNexis Risk Solutions
 LexisNexis Legal & 
18 
Professional
22  Reed Exhibitions
26 
29  Corporate responsibility

 Reed Business Information

39  Financial review

83 

40 

 Chief Financial Officer’s 
report

48   Principal risks

51  Governance 

52  Board Directors
54  

  Chairman’s introduction  
to corporate governance
 Structure and corporate 
governance
 Report of the Nominations 
Committee
 Directors’ remuneration 
report
 Report of the Audit 
Committees

55  

62  

63  

80  

 Financial statements and  
other information
84  

 Combined financial 
statements

123   Summary combined financial 

information in euros
137   Reed Elsevier PLC Annual 
Report and Financial 
Statements

161    Reed Elsevier NV Annual 
Report and Financial 
Statements

185   Additional information  

for US investors

190  Shareholder information
194    Principal operating locations

Full report online 
ThE REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEmENTS 2011 ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEw ONLINE:
REPORTING.REEdElsEvIER.cOm/aR11

Forward looking statements
The Reed Elsevier Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011 contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of 
the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements are 
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently being 
anticipated.  The terms “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “should be”, “will be”, “believe” 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 competitive factors in the industries in which Reed Elsevier operates; demand for Reed Elsevier’s products 
and services; exchange rate fluctuations; general economic and business conditions; legislative, fiscal, tax and regulatory developments 
and political risks; the availability of third party content and data; breaches of our data security systems and interruptions in our information 
technology systems; changes in law and legal interpretations affecting Reed Elsevier’s intellectual property rights and other risks 
referenced from time to time in the filings of Reed Elsevier with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

1

Chairman’s statement

Balance Sheet
We achieved strong cash generation in the year and paid out 
approximately half of our free cash flow to shareholders as 
dividends. The remaining free cash flow was used to fund 
acquisitions made during the year, principally Accuity, CBI China 
and Ascend, with year end net debt of $5.3 billion, compared to 
$5.4 billion in the prior year. 

Management and Boards
Following the reshaping of management in the business areas, 
Erik has focused in the past 12 months on refreshing the central 
functions with the appointment of Group General Counsel, 
dedicated heads of Investor Relations and Corporate M&A and 
new heads of Group Strategy, Business Analytics and Corporate 
Communications, as he continues to build his team to take the 
business forward.

In October, we announced that Mark Armour, Chief Financial 
Officer, has decided to retire from the Boards of Reed Elsevier  
at the end of 2012. The Nominations Committee has begun the 
process of identifying his successor and has appointed an 
executive search firm to review both internal and external 
candidates. In the meantime Mark remains a key member of  
the executive team. 

In April, Adrian Hennah was appointed as a non-executive 
member of our Boards following the approval by shareholders. 
Adrian succeeded Lord Sharman, who stepped down at the Annual 
General Meetings after nine years of valuable board service.

I am pleased to say that David Brennan will join our Boards as a 
non-executive director with effect from 1 November 2012, subject 
to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meetings in April. 
David is currently Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca plc, a 
global pharmaceutical company, which develops, manufactures 
and markets prescription medicines and medical devices. As a 
truly international executive with deep knowledge both of medical 
research and of the world’s healthcare markets, he will bring 
highly relevant experience to our board discussions.

Morris Tabaksblat
Sadly in October, our former Chairman, Morris Tabaksblat passed 
away. Morris was Chairman of the Boards of Reed Elsevier from 
1999-2005. He was much respected by all who knew and worked 
with him and was a hugely influential figure in the successful 
development of Reed Elsevier.

Corporate Responsibility
Our unique corporate social responsibility programmes are a 
source of strength for Reed Elsevier. I fully support all our efforts 
to ensure we achieve the highest levels of corporate responsibility 
and ethical management. In the year, we pledged to increase the 
percentage of women on the Reed Elsevier Boards by 2015 and  
will make every effort to do so.

Anthony Habgood 
Chairman

Reed Elsevier continued its 
positive momentum in 2011.  
All five business areas contributed 
to underlying revenue growth  
with underlying operating profits 
growing well. 

We delivered a good increase in earnings per share. Our cash flow 
generation has allowed us to invest in our businesses, while 
maintaining a strong balance sheet and we are recommending a 
6% increase in the full year dividend. I am confident that our 
actions will continue to strengthen our long term growth 
prospects.

Underlying revenues, which exclude the effects of currency 
translation and acquisitions and disposals, were up 2%, or 3% 
excluding the cycling effect of biennial exhibitions, reflecting a 
consistent performance from our subscription and online data 
businesses. Our reported revenues were down 1% at £6,002m 
expressed in sterling and down by 3% to €6,902m expressed in 
euros, or flat in constant currencies. 

Adjusted operating profits were up 5% at £1,626m in sterling  
and up 3% at €1,870m in euros, or up 4% at constant currencies. 
Adjusted earnings per share were up 8% for Reed Elsevier PLC  
at 46.7p and 6% higher for Reed Elsevier NV at €0.83, up 6% at 
constant currencies. Reported earnings per share for Reed 
Elsevier PLC were up 19% at 32.4p and for Reed Elsevier NV  
up 16% at €0.59.

Dividends
The Boards are recommending equalised final dividends of  
15.90p for Reed Elsevier PLC and €0.326 for Reed Elsevier NV,  
up respectively 6% and 8% against the prior year. This brings the 
total for the year to 21.55p for Reed Elsevier PLC and €0.436 for 
Reed Elsevier NV, both showing an increase of 6%. The differing 
growth rates of the interim and final dividends for the two parent 
companies reflect movements in the sterling-euro exchange rate 
between dividend announcement dates.

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2

OvERviEw
REED ELSEVIER

2011 highlights

ƒƒ Underlying revenue up 2% (3% excluding biennial exhibition cycling) 

ƒƒ Underlying adjusted operating profit up 5%; up 4% at constant currencies

ƒƒ Adjusted EPS up 8% to 46.7p for Reed Elsevier PLC; up 6% to €0.83 for Reed Elsevier NV 

ƒƒ Reported EPS up 19% to 32.4p for Reed Elsevier PLC; up 16% to €0.59 for Reed Elsevier NV

ƒƒ Full year dividend up 6% to 21.55p for Reed Elsevier PLC and €0.436 for Reed Elsevier NV 

ƒƒ Net debt of £3.4bn; 2.3 times adjusted EBITDA (pensions and lease adjusted)

Reed Elsevier combined businesses
REvENUE 

ADJUSTED OPERATiNG PROFiT

£m 

€m

£m 

€m

Underlying Growth +2%

Underlying Growth +5%

6,055

6,002

7,084

6,902

1,555

1,626

1,819

1,870

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

Parent companies
REED ElSEviER PlC 

Adjusted EPS 
pence 

Dividend 
pence

Growth +8%

Growth +6%

43.4

46.7

20.40

21.55

REED ElSEviER Nv

Adjusted EPS 
€ 

Growth +6%

0.78

0.83

Dividend 
€

Growth +6%

0.412

0.436

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

3

Reed Elsevier combined businesses

REPORTED FiGURES

For the year ended 31 December 

Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net borrowings

ADJUSTED FiGURES

For the year ended 31 December 

Operating profit
Operating margin
Profit before tax
Net profit
Operating cash flow
Operating cash flow conversion
Return on invested capital

Parent companies

Adjusted earnings per share
Reported earnings per share 
Ordinary dividend per share

2011
£m

6,002
1,205
948
760
3,433

2011
£m

1,626
27.1%
1,391
1,060
1,515
93%
11.2%

£

2010
£m

6,055
1,090
768
642
3,455

£

2010
£m

Change

–1%
+11%
+23%
+18%

Change

1,555
+5%
25.7% +1.4% pts
+9%
1,279
+8%
983
0%
1,519
98%

10.6% +0.6% pts

2011
€m

6,902
1,386
1,090
874
4,119

2011
€m

1,870
27.1%
1,600
1,219
1,742
93%
11.2%

€

2010
€m

7,084
1,275
898
751
4,043

€

2010
€m

Change at
constant
currencies

0%
+8%
+20%
+15%

Change

-3%
+9%
+21%
+16%

Change at
constant
currencies

Change

+3%
1,819
25.7% +1.4% pts
+7%
1,496
+6%
1,150
-2%
1,777
98%

10.6% +0.6% pts

+4%

+7%
+6%
-1%

Change
underlying

+2%

Change
underlying

+5%

Reed Elsevier PlC

Reed Elsevier Nv

2011

2010

Change

2011

2010

Change

46.7p
32.4p
21.55p

43.4p
27.3p
20.40p

+8%
+19%
+6%

€0.83
€0.59
€0.436

€0.78
€0.51
€0.412

+6%
+16%
+6%

Change at
constant
currencies

+6%

The Reed Elsevier combined businesses encompass the businesses of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, together 
with their two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV (the “Reed Elsevier combined businesses”). The results of 
Reed Elsevier PLC reflect its shareholders’ 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. The results of Reed 
Elsevier NV reflect its shareholders’ 50% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. The respective economic 
interests of the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders take account of Reed Elsevier PLC’s 5.8% indirect interest  
in Reed Elsevier NV.

Adjusted and underlying figures are additional performance measures used by management and are reconciled to the reported figures 
in note 10 to the combined financial statements and note 9 to the respective parent company financial statements. Underlying growth 
rates are calculated at constant currencies, and exclude the results of all acquisitions and disposals made both in the year and prior year 
and assets held for sale. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2010 full year average and hedge exchange rates.

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4

OvERviEw
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

Chief Executive Officer’s report

Organic development remains at the core of our strategy, and  
in 2011 we increased our investment and accelerated new product 
launches, focusing on the provision of information solutions that 
demonstrably improve the economics of our professional and 
business customers. The increasing profitability of our business 
reflects a combination of our global operating approach,  
aiming to keep cost growth below revenue growth, and  
portfolio development.

We operate in an environment where global professional 
employment will grow across industries, information sources  
and data volumes are multiplying, and the use of technology is 
evolving. Our aim is to be a business that sells improved  
outcomes for our professional customers in information  
intensive industries, both as individuals and for the institutions  
or businesses that they work for. 

We want to deliver demonstrably improved outcomes to those 
customers, helping them to make better decisions, achieve  
better results, and be more productive. 

We want to do this with tools that leverage deep customer 
understanding, combining high quality content and data with 
analytics and technology to build solutions that typically cost less 
than 1% of our customers’ total cost base but can have a significant 
positive impact on the remaining 99%. 

We want to move towards this business type across all of Reed 
Elsevier, building leading positions in long term global growth 
markets, primarily through organic investment. 

We will do this by leveraging our institutional skills, assets and 
resources across the business to build solutions for our 
customers and pursue cost efficiencies within our own business.

During the course of 2011, we have made significant progress 
against our strategic priorities. We have continued to migrate the 
business towards online solutions, with just over 20% of revenues 
now still in print, down from over 50% five years ago. 

Our geographic footprint is also evolving, with 17% of revenues 
now generated outside North America and Europe, up from  
12% five years ago.

We have actively developed the portfolio in the year with  
expansion of online data services and the exit from small 
businesses that are no longer aligned with our strategic  
direction in all five business areas.

Erik Engstrom, Chief Executive Officer

2011 was a year of good progress 
both strategically and financially. 
Our large subscription and data 
businesses performed well and 
uncertainty in the macro economic 
environment in the latter part of 
the year had only a limited impact 
on some of our more cyclical 
businesses. 

FORMAT TRANSiTiON

GEOGRAPHiC EvOlUTiON

2006

2011

Percent of revenues outside North America and Europe

Electronic
37%

Print
22%

17%

12%

Print
51%

Face to face
15%

Face to face
12%

Electronic
63%

2006

2011

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

5

Financial results
On an underlying basis revenues grew 2% in 2011, but excluding 
the negative impact of biennial event cycling in Reed Exhibitions, 
underlying revenues grew 3%, compared to 1% in 2010, with  
all five business areas returning to growth for the first time  
since 2007. 

Underlying adjusted operating profit grew 5% reflecting the 
improved revenue growth in the businesses, a continued focus  
on operational efficiency, and the disposal of lower margin 
businesses.

Despite increasing organic investment in our business and the 
completion of a number of acquisitions, we improved our return  
on invested capital by 60 basis points to 11.2% for the year. 

We have also taken our net debt to EBITDA ratio back down into  
a range that we are very comfortable with, ending the year at  
2.3x on a pension and lease adjusted basis. 

Business area priorities
In Elsevier, our priorities are to improve research outcomes  
and productivity for researchers and their managers through 
expanded content and integrated analytics & technology 
platforms, to drive remaining print to electronic migration in 
health sciences leveraging global platforms, and to relentlessly 
pursue process innovation and efficiency through global  
shared services. 

We made good progress on these priorities in 2011, with our 
author, editor and reviewer satisfaction and loyalty scores 
reaching all time highs, double digit growth in article submissions, 
and continued growth in citation share. We also expanded our 
global platforms for both science and health content. Science  
& Technology reported underlying revenue growth of 4% in 2011, 

with good growth in research and databases. In Health Sciences 
revenues were flat, with double digit growth in electronic 
revenues across all segments offset by declines in print book 
sales to individuals and pharma promotion. 

In lexisNexis Risk Solutions, our priorities are to drive growth  
in insurance through an active new product pipeline that improves 
carrier economics across their workflows and to leverage our 
leading database and technology platform to expand into adjacent 
risk markets and new geographies. 

In 2011 we achieved good growth in insurance data & analytics and 
business services reflecting solid demand for our core products 
and increasing adoption of new products, and we have just brought 
on our first commercial UK insurance customer. Screening 
revenues slowed in the second half reflecting US hiring trends, 
and federal government markets remained under pressure. 
Underlying revenues were up 4% and adjusted operating profits 
up 12% reflecting cost savings, notably in technology, and from the 
successful completion of the ChoicePoint integration. 

In lexisNexis legal & Professional our priorities are to 
progressively introduce the next generation legal products,  
to leverage the new platform globally in order to drive print  
to electronic migration and long term international growth,  
and to upgrade our operational infrastructure and gradually 
rebuild margins. 

In 2011 we launched the second release of Lexis Advance in the  
US and expanded our international solutions. Revenues returned 
to slight underlying growth in both the US and internationally,  
with growth in research and litigation tools and in practice 
management, and moderating declines in news & business  
to corporate customers and in electronic listings. Margins were 
broadly flat, as expected. 

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UNDERlYiNG REvENUE GROwTH EXClUDiNG BiENNiAl CYCliNG

UNDERlYiNG ADJUSTED OPERATiNG PROFiT GROwTH

+6%

+4%

+3%

+1%

+10%

+9%

+5%

-1%

2007

2008

-5%
2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

-9%
2009

2010

2011

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6

OvERviEw
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

At Reed Exhibitions our priorities are to drive organic growth by 
leveraging global sector groups and technology platforms and  
to prioritise faster growing geographies and sectors through 
launches and small acquisitions. 

In 2011 we rolled out our Nova web platform to the vast majority  
of our shows. During the year we launched 43 new shows, and 
completed a number of small acquisitions. Underlying revenue 
growth was 10% excluding biennial cycling, with good growth 
across all geographies in 2011. The net cycling out of biennial 
shows held back overall growth in 2011 with underlying revenues 
and adjusted operating profits flat and up 2% respectively. 

In Reed Business information our priorities are to drive expansion 
in global data services organically and through acquisition, to 
reshape the portfolio through organic transformation and 
selective disposals, and to continue to realign the cost base. 

In 2011 we built out data services organically and acquired Accuity 
and CBI China, we transformed one of our leading brands with the 
combination of Flight with Ascend, and we divested a number of 
magazines and service operations. We returned to underlying 
revenue growth of 1% for the year, and adjusted operating profits 
were up 15%, with the majority of the margin increase reflecting 
organic development, supported by our exits from low margin 
businesses.

Corporate responsibility
We continue to prioritise and make progress against our corporate 
responsibility objectives, beginning with the unique contributions 
we make as a business, including sustainable access to 
information. We are also focused on good management of the 
material issues affecting all companies in areas ranging from 
governance and community to supply chain and the environment.

Outlook
The macro economic outlook remains uncertain, but by delivering 
highly valued products and services to our professional 
customers, and a relentless focus on process efficiency, we 
expect to deliver another year of underlying revenue and profit 
growth in 2012.

I am confident that we have both the management team and 
institutional skills to address the opportunities that our 
professional end markets offer us and to face the challenges that 
today’s macro economic environment present. We have extensive 
insight into our customers’ needs and are focused on delivering 
the content and solutions that create value for them and 
significantly improve their outcomes and economics. Our 
employees show unrivalled commitment to achieving these  
goals and I would like to thank them for their continued 
enthusiasm and dedication to our customers and to creating 
increasing value for Reed Elsevier and our shareholders.

The business and financial reviews, set out in pages 7 to 28 
describe in more detail our markets, businesses and the 
performance and outlook by business.

Erik Engstrom
Chief Executive Officer

RETURN ON iNvESTED CAPiTAl

NET DEBT/EBiTDA

11.8%

12.1%

10.4%

10.6%

11.2%

3.3x

2.9x

2.2x

2.5x

2.3x

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Pension and lease adjusted; calculated in US dollars; 2007 pro forma 
 for special distribution; 2008 pro forma for ChoicePoint acquisition

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

7

Business  
review

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In this section

Reed Elsevier

8
10 Elsevier
14 LexisNexis Risk Solutions
18 LexisNexis Legal & Professional
22 Reed Exhibitions
26 Reed Business Information
29 Corporate responsibility

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8

BUSINESS REVIEW
REED ELSEVIER

Reed Elsevier

Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information 
solutions. We leverage deep customer understanding to deliver 
demonstrably improved outcomes to our professional customers.

We do this by combining content and data with analytics and technology 
in global platforms, sharing institutional skills, assets and resources 
across Reed Elsevier.

We aim to build leading positions in long term global growth markets. 
Our customer facing activities are grouped into five business areas:

Risk Solutions

Legal & Professional

Elsevier’s scientific and medical information  
and tools help its customers improve outcomes  
in science and health.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides data and 
analytics that enable its customers to evaluate  
and manage risks associated with transactions 
and improve performance.

LexisNexis Legal & Professional provides legal, 
tax, regulatory and news & business information 
and analysis to legal, corporate, government, 
accounting and academic markets.

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s largest events 
business, with over 475 events in 34 countries.

Reed Business Information is a provider of data 
services, business information and marketing 
solutions to business professionals.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

9

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Revenue 
Elsevier
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
Reed Exhibitions
Reed Business Information

Adjusted operating profit
Elsevier
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
Reed Exhibitions
Reed Business Information
Unallocated items

2011
£m

2,058
908
1,634
707
695
6,002

768
362
229
167
110
(10)
1,626

2010
£m

2,026
927
1,691
693
718
6,055

724
354
238
158
89
(8)
1,555

Change

Change at constant 
currencies

Change 
underlying

+2%
–2%
–3%
+2%
–3%
–1%

+6%
+2%
–4%
+6%
+23%

+5%

+1%
+1%
–2%
+1%
–4%
0%

+3%
+6%
–4%
+4%
+22%

+4%

+2%
+4%
+1%
0%
+1%
+2%

+4%
+12%
–2%
+2%
+15%

+5%

Adjusted operating profit is presented as an additional performance measure used by management and is stated before amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible 
assets and goodwill, exceptional restructuring (none in 2011) and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items, related tax effects and 
movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where available on 
acquired goodwill and intangibles assets. Adjusted operating profit is also grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint ventures. Reconciliations between the 
reported and adjusted figures are provided in note 10 to the combined financial statements. Underlying growth rates are calculated at constant currencies and exclude the 
results of all acquisitions and disposals made both in the year and prior year and assets held for sale. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2010 full year exchange  
and hedge exchange rates.

REVENUE

£6,002m

12%

12%

34%

AdjUStEd oPERAtINg PRofIt

£1,626m

7%

10%

14%

47%

Elsevier

LexisNexis Risk
Solutions

LexisNexis Legal &
Professional

Reed Exhibitions

Reed Business
Information

27%

15%

22%

REVENUE By foRmAt

REVENUE By gEogRAPhIc mARkEt

£6,002m

22%

15%

£6,002m

17%

Electronic

Face to face

Print  

63%

18%

54%

3%

8%

Elsevier

LexisNexis Risk
Solutions

LexisNexis Legal &
Professional

Reed Exhibitions

Reed Business
Information

North America

UK

Netherlands

Rest of Europe

Rest of World

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10

BUSINESS REVIEW
ELSEVIER

Elsevier’s scientific and medical 
information and tools help its 
customers improve outcomes in  
science and health.

Elsevier is the world’s leading provider of scientific and medical 
information and serves scientists, health professionals and 
students worldwide. Its objective is to help its customers  
advance science and improve healthcare by providing world  
class information and innovative solutions that enable  
customers to make critical decisions, enhance productivity  
and improve outcomes.

Total revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were  
£2,058m. Elsevier is a global business with principal operations  
in Amsterdam, Beijing, Boston, Chennai, Delhi, London, Madrid, 
Milan, Munich, New York, Oxford, Paris, Philadelphia, Rio de 
Janeiro, St. Louis, San Diego, Singapore and Tokyo. Elsevier  
has 6,900 employees.

Elsevier is organised around two market-facing businesses: 
Science & Technology, which serves the scientific and technology 
communities, and Health Sciences, which serves the health 
community. Both of these businesses are supported by a global 
shared services organisation which provides integrated editorial 
systems and production services, product platforms, distribution, 
and other support functions.

Science & technology is the world’s leading scientific information 
provider. It delivers a wide array of information and workflow  
tools that help researchers generate valuable insights in the 
advancement of scientific discovery and improve the productivity 
of research. Its customers are scientists, academic institutions, 
research leaders and administrators, corporations and 
governments which rely on Elsevier to: provide high quality 

content; review, publish, disseminate and preserve research 
findings; and create innovative tools to help focus research 
strategies and improve their effectiveness.

Elsevier publishes over 240,000 new science & technology 
research articles each year through some 1,250 journals,  
many of which are the foremost publications in their field and a 
primary point of reference for new research. The vast majority  
of customers receive these journals through ScienceDirect,  
the world’s largest database of scientific and medical research, 
providing access to over 10 million scientific and medical journal 
articles, used by over 7 million researchers each year.

Elsevier also publishes over 700 new English language science  
& technology book titles annually, supporting bibliographic data, 
indexes and abstracts, and review and reference works. 15,000 
online books are available on ScienceDirect, with over 1,000 online 
books added each year.

Other major products include Scopus and Reaxys. Scopus is the 
largest abstract and citation database of research literature in the 
world, with abstracts and bibliographic information on more than 
45 million scientific research articles from 19,000 peer reviewed 
journals and 5,000 international publishers. Scopus also has data 
on more than 24 million patents. Reaxys is a leading solution for 
synthetic chemists that integrates chemical reaction and 
compound data searching with synthesis planning.

In December 2011, Elsevier acquired Ariadne Genomics a provider 
of pathway analysis tools and semantic technologies for life 
science researchers which will complement Elsevier’s efforts  
to serve the needs of researchers in the pharma biotech sector.

A major challenge facing researchers and institutions is the ever 
growing amount of research and related information with limited 
time to identify and analyse what is most relevant. To address this 
challenge, Elsevier has been developing a suite of new products 
that significantly improve the speed at which researchers are able 
to find the most relevant information and analyse this information 
using the most innovative applications. SciVerse Hub provides a 

The SciVerse platform combines content from 
Elsevier products with a new discovery hub 
and community developed applications

Science Direct is the world’s largest database 
of scientific and medical research articles

One of the world’s leading medical journals 
since 1823

Scopus is the world’s largest scientific 
abstract and citation database

Leading web-based chemical reaction 
workflow solution for industrial chemists

Integrated, online resources that complement 
Elsevier’s nursing textbook content

SciVal provides research performance  
tools for academic institutions and  
funding intelligence

Premier life sciences journal with the  
highest impact factor in biochemistry  
and molecular biology

Clinical decision support tool to identify areas 
for improvement in medical practice

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

11

single search interface for accessing ScienceDirect, Scopus and 
scientific web content. In addition, SciVerse Application Marketplace 
& Developer Network enables researchers and third party 
developers to build customised applications on top of Elsevier’s 
information and other data and analytics enhancing the utility of 
the underlying content. 

Following a successful collaboration since 2007, Elsevier acquired 
QUOSA in January 2012. QUOSA’s technological capabilities will 
raise the efficiency of the search and discovery process and will 
also allow researchers to manage information more efficiently.

Elsevier is continuing to develop the SciVal suite of products  
that help academic and government institutions evaluate their 
research performance, determine research strategies and 
increase institutional efficiencies. Leveraging bibliometric data, 
such as citations from Scopus, SciVal Spotlight helps institutions 
and governments to identify their distinctive research strengths, 
evaluate performance and increase the focus of their R&D 
investments. SciVal Funding assists researchers and institutions  
in identifying grants that are most relevant in their research areas. 
SciVal Experts enables researchers to establish a directory of 
experts in their area of interest, while SciVal Strata facilitates 
performance benchmarking by research teams. 

health Sciences is a world leading medical information provider. 
Through its medical journals, books, major reference works, 
databases and online information tools, Elsevier provides critical 
information and analysis on which its customers rely to base  
their decisions, to improve medical outcomes and enhance the 
efficiency of healthcare. Health Sciences serves medical 
researchers, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals  
and students, as well as hospitals, research institutions,  
health insurers, managed healthcare organisations and 
pharmaceutical companies.

Elsevier publishes over 700 health sciences journals, including  
on behalf of learned societies, and, in 2011, 1,500 new health 
sciences book titles and clinical reference works were published 
both in print and through ScienceDirect and other electronic 
platforms such as MD Consult. MD Consult is a leading online 
clinical information service with more than 2,400 institutional 
customers. Flagship titles include market leading medical 
journals such as The Lancet, and major medical reference works 

such as Gray’s Anatomy, Nelson’s Pediatrics and Netter’s Atlas of 
Human Anatomy. In addition to its local language publishing in 
many countries across the world, Health Sciences leverages its 
content and solutions into new markets through local language 
versioning. In November 2011, ClinicalKey was launched in beta 
allowing physicians to access the leading reference and 
evidence-based medicine in a single, fully-integrated site built  
to accommodate their clinical information workflows.

Elsevier is a leader in medical education and training resources, 
particularly to the nursing and allied health professions. From 
print and electronic books to virtual clinical patient care, Health 
Sciences supports students, teaching faculties and healthcare 
organisations in education and practice. A strong focus is on the 
further development of innovative electronic services: the Evolve 
portal provides a rich resource to support faculty and students 
and now has 3 million registered users; Evolve Reach (Health 
Education Systems Inc.) provides online review and testing tools  
for nursing and the allied health professions; Evolve Teach  
provides online resources and solutions to support faculty. 

A growing area of focus is clinical decision support, providing 
online information and analytics to deliver patient-specific 
solutions at the point of care to improve patient outcomes. Gold 
Standard provides critical information on drug interactions to 
assist effective treatment; CPM Resource Center provides a data 
driven framework to support nurses in undertaking procedures; 
Nursing Consult provides nursing care guidelines in trauma and 
disease management; MEDai uses patient data and analytics to 
help identify areas for improvement in clinical practice within 
hospitals and lower costs for the payers of healthcare through 
preventative interventions. In February 2011, Elsevier entered the 
emerging clinical decision support market in China through the 
acquisition of Datong, a leading online provider of drug information 
that helps Chinese hospitals to improve quality of care through 
better drug usage.

Elsevier also provides services to the pharmaceutical industry 
through advertising and sponsored communications to the 
specialist community it serves. In 2011, Elsevier continued the 
restructuring of this business focusing more on the services 
which leverage Health Sciences’ core information and  
distribution platform. 

REVENUE By foRmAt

£2,058m

Print/Other
37%

REVENUE By gEogRAPhIc mARkEt

£2,058m

Rest of World

Electronic
63%

North America

Europe

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12

BUSINESS REVIEW
ELSEVIER

market opportunities
The science and medical information markets have good long 
term demand growth characteristics. The importance of research 
and development to economic performance and competitive 
positioning is well understood by governments, academic 
institutions and corporations. This is reflected in the long term 
growth in R&D spend and in the number of researchers 
worldwide, leading to greater research output and publishing. 
Additionally, there is growing demand for tools that allow research 
to better target and improve the spend and efficiency of the 
research process.

In health, market growth is also supported by demographic 
trends, with ageing populations that require more healthcare, 
rising prosperity in developing economies with increasing 
expectations of better healthcare provision, and the increasing 
focus on improving medical outcomes and efficiency.

Given that a significant proportion of scientific research and 
healthcare is funded directly or indirectly by governments, spending 
is influenced by governmental budgetary considerations. The 
commitment to research and health provision does, however, 
remain high, even in more difficult budgetary environments.

Strategic priorities
Elsevier’s strategic goal is to make valued contributions to the 
communities it serves in advancing science, improving medical 
outcomes and enhancing productivity. To achieve this, Elsevier is 
focused on: building world-class content; deepening its customer 
engagement to identify how better to help them achieve their 
desired outcomes more efficiently and effectively; delivering  
tools which link, analyse and illuminate content and data to help 
customers make critical decisions and improve their productivity; 
increasing its investment in high-growth markets and disciplines; 
and continuously improving organisational efficiency.

In Science & Technology, priorities are to continually enhance  
the quality and relevance of research and reference content  
and expand data sets, while adding greater functionality and  
utility to SciVerse, ScienceDirect, Scopus and new tools to assist 

researcher productivity. The SciVal suite of performance and 
planning tools will continue to be expanded to help academic and 
government institutions target their research spend and improve 
research efficiency and economic outcomes.

In Health Sciences, priorities are to continue to enhance the 
quality and relevance of its content and actively manage the 
ongoing format shift from print to electronic information 
consumption by developing improved electronic solutions that  
add more value to its users and customers. Additionally, Health 
Sciences continues to build out clinical decision support services 
to meet customer demand for tools that deliver better medical 
outcomes and lowers costs for payers, physicians and hospitals. 
Elsevier is also focused on increasing growth in emerging 
markets through expansion of local publishing and versioning  
of content and electronic services.

Business model, distribution channels and competition
Science and medical research is principally disseminated on a 
paid subscription basis to the research facilities of academic 
institutions, government and corporations, and, in the case of 
medical and healthcare journals, also to individual practitioners 
and medical society members. Advertising and promotional 
revenues are derived from pharmaceutical and other companies.

Electronic products, such as ScienceDirect, Scopus and MD Consult, 
are generally sold direct to customers through a dedicated sales 
force that has offices around the world. Subscription agents 
facilitate the sales and administrative process for print journals. 
Books are sold through traditional and online book stores, 
wholesalers and, particularly in medical and healthcare markets, 
directly to end users. 

Competition within science and medical publishing is generally on 
a title by title and product by product basis. Competing journals, 
books and databases are typically published by learned societies 
and other professional publishers. Workflow tools face similar 
competition as well as from software companies and internal 
solutions developed by customers.

RELAtIVE ImPAct fActoR

hEALth ScIENcES ELEctRoNIc REVENUE

0.96

0.96

1.00

1.02

1.06

24%

27%

32%

37%

40%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Improvement in relative journal quality of Elsevier’s journal portfolio 
through attracting the highest quality research.

Growing demand for online information and analytics driven by increasing 
focus on improving medical outcomes and efficiency.

Relative impact factor is the average citation impact of Elsevier journal content 
compared to other publishers (industry average = 1). Based on citation data from 
Thomson Reuters.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

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Revenue 
Science & Technology
Health Sciences

Adjusted operating profit

2011
£m

1,076
982
2,058
768

2010
£m

1,015
1,011
2,026
724

Change

Change at constant
currencies

Change 
underlying

+6%
-3%
+2%
+6%

+4%
-2%
+1%
+3%

+4%
0%
+2%
+4%

2011 financial performance

Increasing global scientific and medical research activity 
supported good growth in research information and online 
tools. health Sciences saw continued pressure on print book 
sales to individuals and European pharma promotion, but 
achieved good growth in global medical research and clinical 
decision support.

Underlying revenues and adjusted operating profits were up 2% 
and 4% respectively.

Science & Technology generated underlying revenue growth  
of 4%. Global research activity has continued to grow broadly  
in line with long term historical trends, and Elsevier generated 
good growth in the volume of articles submitted and published  
in the year, and improved the quality of articles relative to other 
publishers as measured by citation share. As academic research 
becomes increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative across 
geographies, Elsevier is providing information and analytical tools 
that help academic institutions to achieve better research outcomes. 
Sales of databases and tools grew strongly. 

Health Sciences underlying revenues were flat. Our global 
medical research business benefited from similar drivers to those 
in the Science & Technology research business, and online clinical 
decision support achieved double digit growth as healthcare 
customers look to achieve improved medical outcomes and 
increased efficiency. Across Health Sciences, online solutions and 

electronic products grew well and now account for nearly 40% of 
revenues. European pharma promotion declines have continued, 
and print book sales to individuals came under increasing 
pressure, reflecting the format shift to online, and lower 
enrolment in US nursing and health profession career schools. 
Our business in emerging markets, most notably India, China and 
in Latin America performed well. 

Underlying cost growth was 1%, reflecting ongoing emphasis on 
process efficiencies and procurement savings offsetting business 
growth and spending on new product development and sales & 
marketing initiatives.

outlook
The customer budgetary environment remains broadly similar  
to that seen last year with variations by both geography and 
customer. In research, we expect volume growth to continue,  
and the subscription renewal process for 2012 is well progressed. 
In health, we expect the transition from print to electronic to 
continue, with strong demand for electronic solutions offset by 
print declines. Overall, modest underlying revenue growth is 
expected in 2012 for Elsevier.

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14

BUSINESS REVIEW
LExISNExIS RISk SOLUTIONS

Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions 
provides data and analytics that 
enable its customers to evaluate 
and manage risks associated  
with transactions and improve 
performance.

Risk Solutions is a leading provider of solutions that combine 
proprietary, public and third-party information, analytics and 
advanced technology. These solutions assist customers in 
evaluating, predicting and managing risk and improving 
operational effectiveness, predominantly in the US. 

Total revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were £908m. 
LexisNexis Risk Solutions is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia 
and has principal operations in Georgia, Florida, and Ohio, and has 
4,000 employees.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions is organised around market facing 
industry/sector groups: insurance, government, screening, and 
business services (including the receivables management, 
financial services and corporate groups), of which insurance  

is the most significant. These groups are supported by a  
shared infrastructure providing technology operations, data 
management, and other support functions including compliance 
and marketing. A number of transactional support activities, 
including some financial processes, are provided from a shared 
services organisation managed by the LexisNexis Legal & 
Professional business. The Legal & Professional business also 
distributes Risk Solutions products into legal markets in the  
US and internationally. 

Insurance Solutions provides the most comprehensive 
combination of data and analytics to property and casualty (P&C) 
personal and commercial insurance carriers in the US to improve 
critical aspects of their business, from customer acquisition and 
underwriting to policy servicing and claims handling. Information 
solutions, including the US’s most comprehensive personal loss 
history database C.L.U.E., help insurers assess risks and provide 
important inputs to underwriting policy. Recently introduced 
products include Data Prefill, which provides accurate  
information directly into the insurance workflow on customers, 
potential customers and their auto ownership, and Current Carrier, 
which identifies current or previous insurance as well as any 
lapses in coverage.

Business Services provides financial institutions with risk 
management, identity verification, fraud detection, credit risk 
management, and compliance solutions. These include “know 
your customer” and anti-money laundering products. The 
business provides risk and identity management solutions for 
corporate customers in retail, telecommunications and utilities 
sectors. Receivables management solutions help debt recovery 
professionals in the segmentation, management and collection of 
consumer and business debt. The Risk Solutions business also 
provides identity verification and risk related information to the 
legal industry.

C.L.U.E.®
Most comprehensive US personal insurance 
claims database

LexisNexis®  
Data Prefill
Tool to automate insurance application 
process providing critical information 
insurers need to quote and underwrite  
a policy

LexisNexis® Anti-Money 
Laundering Solutions
Content and information for anti-money 
laundering compliance, risk mitigation  
and enhanced due diligence

Accurint® for Collections
The leading online US solution to help locate 
debtors quickly and accurately

Accurint® LE Plus
Integrated suite of tools for US law  
enforcement investigators

LexisNexis®  
Identity Management
Range of solutions to help clients verify that 
an identity exists and authenticate individuals

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

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government Solutions provides investigative solutions to US 
federal, state and local law enforcement and government 
agencies to help solve criminal and intelligence cases and to 
identify fraud, waste and abuse in government programmes.

Screening Solutions focuses on employment-related, resident 
and volunteer screening, with the largest segment being 
pre-employment screening services offered across a number  
of industries including retail, recruitment, banking, and 
professional services.

During 2011, Risk Solutions sharpened its focus on its data and 
analytics activities with the sale of the insurance software 
business, while Reed Elsevier’s acquisition of Accuity 
complements and enhances Risk Solutions’ offerings in 
anti-money laundering. There has also been a continued focus  
on developing a pipeline of new solutions for selected adjacent 
markets, sectors and geographies. 

The identity verification and risk evaluation solutions provided by 
Risk Solutions utilise a comprehensive database of public records 
and proprietary information, which is the largest database of its 

kind in the US market today. LexisNexis Accurint is the flagship risk 
assessment product, powered by the High Performance Cluster 
Computing (HPCC) technology. This technology enables Risk 
Solutions to provide its customers with highly relevant search 
results swiftly and to create new, low-cost solutions quickly and 
efficiently. In 2011, Risk Solutions launched an open-source 
initiative called HPCC Systems to broaden usage, tap the 
innovation of the development community and to more fully 
compete in the “big data” market. Response to date has been very 
positive, with press articles, website traffic, speaking invitations, 
and source code downloads all significantly ahead of expectations.

market opportunities
Risk Solutions operates in markets with strong long term 
underlying growth drivers: insurance underwriting transactions; 
insurance, healthcare and entitlement fraud; credit defaults  
and financial fraud; regulatory compliance and due diligence 
requirements surrounding customer enrolment and employment; 
and security considerations.

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Print/Other 4%

REVENUE By SEgmENt*

£908m

Government

Screening

Electronic
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Insurance 
Solutions

Business
Services

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16

BUSINESS REVIEW
LExISNExIS RISk SOLUTIONS

In the insurance segment, growth is supported by increasing 
transactional activity in the auto and property insurance markets 
and the increasing adoption by insurance carriers of more 
sophisticated data and analytics in the prospecting, underwriting 
and claims evaluation processes, to determine appropriate risk 
pricing, increase competitiveness and improve operating cost 
efficiency. Transactional activity is driven by insurance quoting 
and switching as consumers seek better policy terms, stimulated 
by increasing competition between insurance companies, high 
levels of carrier advertising, and rising levels of internet quoting 
and policy binding.

In screening, demand is driven mainly by employer hiring activity 
and, in receivables management, by levels of consumer debt and 
the prospects of recovering those debts. Both of these markets 
are linked to employment conditions in the US. A number of factors 
support growth for risk solutions in the financial services market, 
including new credit originations, continued high fraud losses, 
stringent regulatory compliance requirements, and increasing 
anti-money laundering fines. In corporate markets, demand is 
supported by growth in online retail sales and continued high 
levels of credit card fraud. Growth in government markets is 
driven by the increasing use of data and analytics to combat 
criminal activity and fraud, and to address security issues.  
The level and timing of demand in this market is influenced by 
government funding considerations.

Strategic priorities
Risk Solutions’ strategic goal is to make businesses and 
government more effective, through a better understanding  
of the risks associated with individuals, other businesses and 
transactions and by providing the tools to help manage those 
risks. To achieve this, Risk Solutions is focused on: expanding  
the range of products across customer workflows; leveraging  
our advanced technology capabilities; delivering innovative  
new products and expanding the range of risk management 
solutions across adjacent markets; and addressing international 
opportunities in selected markets to meet local risk  
management needs. 

Business model, distribution channels and competition
Risk Solutions’ products are predominantly sold on a 
transactional basis directly to insurance carriers and 
corporations, and primarily on a subscription basis to  
government entities. 

Risk Solutions and Verisk sell data and analytics solutions to 
insurance carriers but largely address different activities. Risk 
Solutions’ principal competitors in commercial and government 
sectors include Thomson Reuters and major credit bureaus. 
Major competitors in pre-employment screening are Altegrity  
and First Advantage.

gRoWth IN IdENtIty VERIfIcAtIoN tRANSActIoNS

gRoWth IN INSURANcE cLAImS tRANSActIoNS

+30%

+17%

2010

2011

2010

2011

Growth in identity verification transactions driven by customers across  
our markets looking to verify individuals and businesses to comply with 
regulations and prevent identity theft and fraud.

Increasing penetration of the insurance carrier workflow with uptake of 
products to investigate claims, adjudicate them quickly and identify fraud 
and subrogation opportunities. 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

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Revenue 
Adjusted operating profit

2011
£m

908
362

2010
£m

927
354

Change

-2%
+2%

Change at constant
currencies

+1%
+6%

Change 
underlying

+4%
+12%

LexisNexis Risk Solutions and LexisNexis Legal & Professional, previously combined as one LexisNexis business, have operated as two distinct businesses from 1 January 
2011. Comparative profit figures and growth rates are presented on a pro forma basis.

2011 financial performance

continued good growth in insurance data & analytics and 
business services reflects solid demand for our core products 
and the successful extension of the range of services that we 
provide. Screening revenues slowed in the second half reflecting 
hiring trends, and US federal government markets remained 
under pressure. 

Underlying revenues and adjusted operating profits were up 4% 
and 12% respectively.

The insurance data & analytics business generated revenue 
growth of 7%, driven by the increasing adoption of solutions across 
the insurance workflow from marketing through to claims handling 
that improve underwriting economics and operational efficiency. 
In November, LexisNexis Risk Solutions completed the sale of its 
infrastructure software business, focusing the insurance 
business on high value data and analytics.

Business services achieved growth of 4%, reflecting good growth 
in credit scoring and anti-money laundering for the financial 
services industry and e-commerce for corporate markets, 
moderated by the effect of a softening in the US real estate market 
on the mortgage-related business. 

Screening solutions grew 3%, with growth slowing over the  
course of the year as operational improvements in sales force 
effectiveness and increased penetration of the mid-size corporate 
market were offset by a US hiring environment that weakened as 
the year progressed. Government solutions revenues declined as 
the wind down of some lower margin one-off federal sales were 
only partly offset by growth in state and local revenues, driven by 
increased focus on fraud, waste and abuse. 

Underlying costs declined 1% despite the business growth  
and new product investment, reflecting cost savings, notably  
in technology, and from the successful ChoicePoint integration.  
The adjusted operating margin increased by 1.7 percentage  
points to 39.9%. 

outlook
In 2012, we expect good growth in insurance data and analytics  
to continue, driven by sustained demand for core underwriting 
products and growth from new products. We expect business 
services to continue to perform well, supported by new product 
growth in financial services and corporate markets. The screening 
solutions outlook is more uncertain given the US employment 
environment, and in government solutions, while federal budgets 
remain under pressure, growth is expected from state and  
local government.

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AdjUStEd oPERAtINg PRofIt

£m

865

927

908

354

362

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2009

2010

2011

2010*

2011

*On a pro forma basis

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18

BUSINESS REVIEW
LExISNExIS LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL

Legal & Professional

LexisNexis Legal & Professional 
provides legal, tax, regulatory and 
news & business information and 
analysis to legal, corporate, 
government, accounting and 
academic markets.

LexisNexis Legal & Professional is a world leading provider of 
content and information solutions for legal and other corporate 
markets. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, 
LexisNexis Legal & Professional provides resources and  
services that inform decisions, increase productivity and drive 
new business.

Total revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were 
£1,634m. LexisNexis Legal & Professional is headquartered  
in New York and has principal operations in Ohio and New Jersey  
in the United States, in London and Paris in Europe, Canada, and  
in several other countries in Africa and Asia Pacific. It has 10,300 
employees worldwide.

LexisNexis Legal & Professional is organised through market 
facing businesses, the most significant of which are Research 
& Litigation Solutions and  Business Solutions in the US and 
LexisNexis Europe, Africa & Australasia and LexisNexis Asia 
outside the US. These are supported by global shared services 
organisations providing platform and product development, 
operational and distribution services, and other support 
functions.

LexisNexis is a leading provider of legal and business information 
and analysis to law firms, corporations and government 
throughout the US. Electronic information solutions and 
innovative workflow tools, developed through close collaboration 
with customers, help law firms and other legal and business 
professionals make better informed decisions in the practice of 
law and in managing their businesses.

In Research & Litigation Solutions, the flagship products for legal 
research are Lexis.com and Lexis Advance, which provide federal 
and state statutes and case law, together with analysis and expert 
commentaries from sources such as Matthew Bender and Michie 
and the leading citation service Shepard’s, which advises on the 
continuing relevance of case law precedents. Through its suite  
of litigation services, LexisNexis additionally provides lawyers 
with tools for electronic discovery, evidence management,  
case analysis, court docket tracking, e-filing, expert witness 
identification and legal document preparation. LexisNexis also 
partners with law schools to provide services to students as  
part of their training.

In December 2011, LexisNexis released in the US the next iteration 
of Lexis Advance, an innovative web application designed to 
transform how legal professionals conduct research. Built on  
an advanced technology platform, Lexis Advance allows primary 
researchers within legal and professional organisations to find 
highly relevant information more easily and efficiently, helping 
them to drive better outcomes. The release is the next step in a 
series of Lexis Advance launches with future releases continuing to 
expand available content and add new innovative tools. LexisNexis 
employs lawyers and trained editors with professional legal 
backgrounds who review, annotate and update the legal content to 
help ensure each document in its collection is current and linked 
to other related documents. This domain expertise combined with 

Lexis®
Unparalleled legal, news and public records 
content for legal professionals

Lexis® for Microsoft® Office
Integration of LexisNexis content, open web 
search and Microsoft Office

Lexis® Library
LexisNexis® Uk flagship legal online product

Matthew Bender®
Critical analysis, checklists, forms, and 
practice guides authored by industry experts 
covering over 50 major practice areas

Premier citation service

Lexis® PSL
LexisNexis® Uk legal practical  
guidance service

New online legal research tool that 
transforms the way legal professionals 
conduct research 

Lawyers.comSM
Leading website for consumers seeking legal 
information and counsel

JurisClasseur
Largest, most authoritative online legal 
resource in France

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

19

the application of Reed Elsevier’s “big data” HPCC technology 
means LexisNexis is able to update its entire legal collection 
faster and more efficiently, while also identifying and linking 
content, thereby uncovering previously undiscovered 
relationships between documents. 

In the US in 2011, LexisNexis launched LexisNexis Firm Manager,  
an online legal practice management application for solo 
practitioners and small law practices. Among other product 
releases, LexisNexis also released Early Data Analyzer which 
provides lawyers with early insight into the size and scope of 
discovery and an updated version of Lexis for Microsoft Office  
which enables lawyers to conduct their Lexis searches within 
Microsoft applications such as Word and Outlook.

In 2011, LexisNexis rationalised its electronic discovery offerings 
and divested the Applied Discovery business.

LexisNexis Business Solutions provides law firms with practice 
management solutions, including time and billing systems, case 
management, cost recovery and document management 
services. LexisNexis assists law firms in their client development 
through Lawyers.com, showcasing the qualifications and 
credentials of more than one million lawyers and law firms  
in the US and internationally, and providing law firms with  
website development, search engine optimisation and other  
web marketing services. 

LexisNexis also provides its legal and information services to US 
government, corporate and academic customers, including news 
and business information and public records. In addition to 
research and litigation services, capabilities for these customers 
include specialist products for corporate counsel focused on 

regulatory compliance, intellectual property management, and 
management of external counsel.

In International markets outside the United States, LexisNexis 
serves legal, corporate, government and academic markets  
in Europe, Canada, Africa and Asia Pacific with local and 
international legal, tax, regulatory and business information.  
The most significant businesses are in the Uk, France, Australia 
and Canada. 

LexisNexis is focused across all its geographies on leveraging 
best in class content and its market leading international online 
product platform to deliver innovative electronic information 
services and workflow tools to help legal and business 
professionals make better informed decisions more efficiently. 
Penetration of online information services is growing and print 
based products now account for less than 40% of LexisNexis total 
revenues outside the US.

In the Uk, LexisNexis is a leading legal information provider  
in its market. It delivers a wide array of content and services, 
comprising an unrivalled collection of primary and secondary 
legislation, case law, expert commentary, and forms and 
precedents. Its extensive portfolio includes Halsbury’s Laws  
of England, Simon’s Taxes and Butterworths Company Law  
Service delivered through the Uk’s flagship online product 
LexisLibrary and in print. Other electronic products include  
Lexis Legal Intelligence, a resource on legal practice for lawyers, 
and media monitoring and reputation management tools for  
the corporate market such as the NexisDirect research tool. 
Additionally, LexisNexis provides law firms with practice 
management solutions. 

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REVENUE By foRmAt

£1,634m

Print/Other 
25%

REVENUE By gEogRAPhIc mARkEt

£1,634m

Rest of World

Electronic
75%

Europe

North America

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20

BUSINESS REVIEW
LExISNExIS LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL

In France, LexisNexis is a provider of information to lawyers, 
notaries and courts with JurisClasseur and La Semaine Juridique 
being the principal publications, delivered through lexisnexis.fr 
and in print. These content sources are, as in the Uk, being 
combined with new content and innovative workflow tools to 
develop practical guidance and practice management solutions.

In international markets in 2011, LexisNexis continued to roll out 
Legal Intelligence. Designed to match the way lawyers work,  
Lexis Legal Intelligence provides primary law, practical guidance, 
learning and productivity tools in one place. It reduces the time  
it takes to get the answers and documents lawyers need, helping 
to make practice more effective. In the Uk, the practical guidance 
service LexisPSL now has 13 practice areas including company, 
commercial, corporate, banking and finance, and will expand 
again in 2012. A similar service has been launched in Australia, 
with five practice areas in 2011. In France, LexisNexis is 
completing the development of Lexis360, an innovative solution  
for legal professionals that combines semantic and federated 
search capabilities with practical guidance, legal concept 
navigation and brand-leading JurisClasseur content. 

In 2011, LexisNexis Legal & Professional strengthened its position 
in key emerging markets including India. LexisNexis released an 
initial version of Lexis India, an online legal research platform 
created specifically for the legal professionals and practitioners, 
corporate counsels, legal researchers, academics and 
government institutions in India. 

market opportunities
Longer term growth in legal and regulatory markets worldwide is 
driven by increasing levels of legislation, regulation, regulatory 
complexity and litigation, and an increasing number of lawyers. 
Additional market opportunities are presented by the increasing 
demand for online information solutions and practice management 
tools that improve the quality and productivity of research, deliver 
better legal outcomes, and improve business performance. 
Notwithstanding this, legal activity and legal information markets 
are also influenced by economic conditions and corporate activity, 
as has been seen with the dampening impact on demand of the 
recent global recession and the somewhat subdued environment 
that followed in North America and in Europe.

Strategic priorities
LexisNexis Legal & Professional’s strategic goal is to enable 
better legal outcomes and be the leading provider of productivity 
enhancing information and information-based workflow solutions 
in its markets. To achieve this LexisNexis is focused on: building 
world class content; developing next generation product 
platforms, tools and infrastructure to deliver best-in-class 
outcomes for legal and business professionals with greater  
speed and efficiency; building client development and practice 
management tools enabling customers to be more successful  
in their markets; international expansion and growth of online 
products and solutions; increasing LexisNexis’ presence in 
emerging markets; and improving operational efficiency.

In the US, the focus is on the continuing development of the  
next generation of legal research and practice solutions as well  
as a major upgrade in operations infrastructure and customer 
service and support platforms to provide an integrated and 
superior customer experience across US legal research,  
litigation services, practice management and client development. 
Progressive product introductions, often based on the Lexis 
Advance platform, over the next few years will combine advanced 
technology with enriched content, sophisticated analytics and 
applications to enable LexisNexis’ customers to make better  
legal decisions and drive better outcomes for their organisations 
and clients. 

Outside the US, LexisNexis is focused on growing online services 
and developing further high quality actionable content and 
workflow tools, including the development of practical guidance 
and practice management applications. Additionally, LexisNexis  
is focusing on the expansion of its activities in emerging markets.

Business model, distribution channels and competition
LexisNexis Legal & Professional products and services are 
generally sold directly to law firms and to corporate, government 
and academic customers on a paid subscription basis, with 
subscriptions with law firms often under multi-year contracts. 

Principal competitors for LexisNexis in US legal markets are  
West (Thomson Reuters), CCH (Wolters kluwer) and Bloomberg, 
and Bloomberg and Factiva (News Corporation) in news and 
business information. Competitors in litigation solutions also 
include software companies. Major international competitors 
include Thomson Reuters, Wolters kluwer and Factiva. 

INtERNAtIoNAL LEgAL ELEctRoNIc REVENUE

moBILE APP doWNLoAdS

43%

46%

51%

53%

55%

+332%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2010

2011

Growth in international (outside US) online solutions and workflow tools to 
help lawyers make better informed decisions more efficiently.

Strong growth in the adoption and number of mobile apps.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

21

Revenue 

Adjusted operating profit

2011
£m

1,634

229

2010
£m

1,691

238

Change

-3%

-4%

Change at constant
currencies

-2%

-4%

Change 
underlying

+1%

-2%

LexisNexis Risk Solutions and LexisNexis Legal & Professional, previously combined as one LexisNexis business, have operated as two distinct businesses from 1 January 
2011. Comparative profit figures and growth rates are presented on a pro forma basis.

2011 financial performance

LexisNexis Legal & Professional revenues returned to 
underlying revenue growth in 2011, and margins were broadly 
flat as expected. most of our legal markets have stabilised,  
and we stepped up new product launch activity. 

Underlying revenues and adjusted operating profits were up 1% 
and down 2% respectively.

Our US research & litigation revenues returned to slight growth, 
benefiting from a stabilisation in legal industry activity. We 
achieved good growth in lexis.com searches and in new sales  
of research and litigation tools and services to law firms, 
government and corporate legal customers. Growth in practice 
management tools was offset by continued but moderating 
declines in news & business information to corporate customers, 
and in web based listings. 

International markets outside the US also returned to growth. 
Electronic revenues grew 7% reflecting strong demand for legal 
tools and solutions, although this was largely offset by further 
print declines as format transition continued. Print based 
products now account for less than 40% of revenue.

Significant progress has been made in the development of next 
generation legal offerings with a number of new product releases 
during the course of the year including the latest release of 
Lexis Advance in December, targeting research intensive lawyers.  
Initial feedback from the legal community has been very positive, 
positioning us well for future product releases. 

Underlying cost growth was 1% reflecting continued investment  
in next generation legal offerings and sales & marketing, offset  
by continued cost initiatives. The adjusted operating margin was 
broadly flat at 14.0%. 

outlook
In 2012 we intend to continue to introduce new products that will 
better serve our legal and corporate customer base. However, 
legal markets remain stable but subdued, limiting revenue and 
margin growth potential in the short term.

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£m

AdjUStEd oPERAtINg PRofIt

£m

1,562

1,692

1,691

1,634

238

229

2008

2009

2010

2011

2010*

2011

*On a pro forma basis

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22

BUSINESS REVIEW
REED ExHIBITIONS

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s 
leading events business, with over 
475 events in 34 countries.

Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio of exhibitions and conferences serves 
44 industry sectors across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East 
and Asia Pacific. In 2011 Reed Exhibitions brought together over 
six million event participants from around the world, generating 
billions of dollars in business for its customers.

Total revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were £707m. 
Reed Exhibitions is a global business headquartered in London 
and has principal offices in Paris, Vienna, Norwalk (Connecticut), 
Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Tokyo, Sydney and São Paulo. Reed Exhibitions 
has 2,800 employees worldwide.

Reed Exhibitions organises market leading events that are 
relevant to industry needs, where participants from around the 
world come together to do business, network and learn. Its 
exhibitions and conferences encompass a wide range of sectors, 
including: broadcasting, TV, music & entertainment; building & 
construction; electronics & electrical engineering; alternative 
energy, oil & gas; engineering, manufacturing & processing;  
gifts; interior design; IT & telecoms; jewellery; life sciences & 
pharmaceuticals; marketing; property & real estate; sports  
& recreation; and travel.

In January 2012 Reed Exhibitions took full ownership of our joint 
venture, Alcantara Machado, Brazil’s leading exhibition organiser.

market opportunities
Growth in the exhibitions market is correlated to business to 
business marketing spend, historically driven by levels of 
corporate profitability, which itself has followed overall growth  
in GDP, and business investment. Emerging markets and growth 
industries provide additional opportunities. As some events are 
held other than annually, growth in any one year is affected by the 
cycle of non-annual exhibitions.

The world’s entertainment content market

International machinery trade fair

Event for the restaurant, hotel, café and 
catering industries

Premier global event for the travel industry

The North American jewellery industry’s  
premier trade event

Leading international exhibition for personal 
care ingredients

The world’s property market

World platform for sustainable future  
energy solutions

One of the largest business gifts & home  
fairs in China

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

23

Strategic priorities
Reed Exhibitions’ strategic goal is to provide market leading 
events in growth sectors, especially in higher growth geographies, 
that enable businesses to target and reach new customers  
quickly and cost effectively and to provide a platform for industry 
participants to do business, network and learn. To achieve  
this, Reed Exhibitions is focused on: driving organic growth by 
leveraging global sector groups and technology platforms, 
developing the portfolio through a combination of new launches, 
strategic partnerships and selective acquisitions in high growth 
sectors and geographies; and further developing websites, 
analytics and other online tools to enhance the exhibition 
experience and add to customer return on investment in 
event participation. 

In 2011, at a portfolio level, this strategy delivered 43 new events in 
high growth sectors such as the Gift and Home industry in China, 
Incentive Travel in the USA, and Smart Grids in Japan and 
Singapore, as well as further acquisitions to build out our leading 
position in Brazil, enter Mexico and Morocco, and increase our 
exposure to the Renewable Energy industry in the Uk. In terms  
of systems and customer experience, Reed Exhibitions has 
continued to invest in developing its event web platform which  
is now used by more than 70% of events.

Business model, distribution channels and competition
The substantial majority of Reed Exhibitions’ revenues are from 
sales of exhibition space. The balance includes conference fees, 
advertising in exhibition guides, sponsorship fees and, for some 
shows, admission charges. Exhibition space is sold directly or 
through local agents where applicable. Reed Exhibitions often 
works in collaboration with trade associations, which use the 
events to promote access for members to domestic and export 
markets, and with governments, for whom events can provide 
important support to stimulate foreign investment and promote 
regional and national enterprise.

Reed Exhibitions is the market leader in a fragmented industry, 
holding less than a 10% global market share. Other international 
exhibition organisers include UBM, Informa IIR and some of the 
larger German Messe, including Messe Frankfurt, Messe 
Düsseldorf and Messe Munich. Competition also comes from 
industry trade associations and convention centre and exhibition 
hall owners.

NUmBER of EVENt LAUNchES

EVENtS IN EmERgINg mARkEtS

43

35

139

99

2010

2011

2010

2011

New event launches focusing on high growth sectors and geographies.

Significant increase in events taking place in high growth geographies 
through new launches and acquisitions. 

REVENUE By foRmAt

£707m

Other 2%

REVENUE By gEogRAPhIc mARkEt*

£707m

Rest of World

North America

Face to face
98%

Europe

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BUSINESS REVIEW
REED ExHIBITIONS

Revenue 

Adjusted operating profit

2011
£m

707

167

2010
£m

693

158

Change

+2%

+6%

Change at constant
currencies

+1%

+4%

Change 
underlying

0%

+2%

2011 financial performance

the net cycling out of biennial shows held back growth in 2011. 
Excluding biennial cycling, underlying revenue growth was 10%, 
with good growth across all geographies. New launch activity 
was accelerated, and we have made a number of selective 
acquisitions which have increased our presence in high  
growth markets.

Underlying revenues and adjusted operating profits were flat  
and up 2% respectively.

In Europe, underlying revenue grew 6% excluding biennial cycling, 
with Mipcom and Mapic performing particularly well. Mipim, 
Reed Exhibitions’ largest individual show, returned to good growth 
after experiencing a decline in 2010. In North America underlying 
revenues grew 16% excluding cycling, with strong performances 
across a wide range of events. Outside Europe and North America 
underlying revenue growth was 13% excluding biennial events, 
including particularly strong growth in China, Brazil, Russia and 
the Middle East. 

New launch activity was accelerated in 2011, leveraging our  
global sector groups and technology platform, with 43 new events, 
the vast majority of which were in faster growing markets and 
sectors. In addition to new launches, Reed Exhibitions made a 
number of small complementary acquisitions during the year 

including Multiplus, serving the biofuels industry, and Expo 
Seguridad, extending our security sector portfolio into Latin 
America. In January 2012 Reed Exhibitions took full ownership of 
our joint venture, Alcantara Machado, Brazil’s leading exhibition 
organiser. In addition to expanding our presence in this high 
growth market, this will help to reduce the revenue impact of 
biennial cycling in future years.

Underlying costs were down 1%, reflecting tight cost control, 
while funding the significantly increased launch programme and 
build out of global industry groups and information technology 
capabilities. The adjusted operating margin was 0.8 percentage 
points higher than in 2010 at 23.6%. 

outlook
2012 revenues will benefit from the net cycling in of biennial 
events. 2012 has started well, with good performances from 
annual shows, albeit with some signs of softness in European 
markets. We remain alert to how changes in the macro economic 
environment may impact customer sentiment as the year 
progresses, particularly in Europe.

REVENUE

£m

AdjUStEd oPERAtINg PRofIt

£m

707

638

693

707

577

183

139

152

158

167

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

25

IMAGE OF TOKYO SHOW

Finetech Japan

Reed Exhibitions Japan hosted a packed Finetech just one month after the devastating earthquake that hit the country  
in March 2011. Finetech Japan is the world’s largest tradeshow in the field of liquid crystal and plasma display 
manufacturing, and is held in Tokyo each April.

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26

BUSINESS REVIEW
REED BUSINESS INFORMATION

Reed Business Information  
is a provider of data services, 
business information and 
marketing solutions to business 
professionals.

Reed Business Information (RBI) provides data services, 
information and marketing solutions to business professionals  
in the Uk, the US, Continental Europe, Asia and Australia.  
It produces industry critical data services and lead generation 
tools, online community and job sites as well as business 
magazines with market leading positions in many sectors.

Total revenues for the year ended 31 December 2011 were £695m. 
RBI is a global business headquartered in Sutton in the Uk and has 
principal operations in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Boston, 
Los Angeles, Skokie (Illinois) and Norcross (Georgia) in the US as 
well as Paris, Milan, Madrid, Bilbao, Sydney and Shanghai. RBI has 
5,600 employees worldwide.

RBI’s data services enable businesses and professionals to 
enhance productivity through quicker and easier access to 
insightful and comprehensive industry information. Online 

marketing solutions, business to business magazines, online lead 
generation services and community websites provide effective 
marketing channels for advertisers to reach target audiences  
and for industry professionals to access valued information.

RBI’s market leading data services include: ICIS, a global 
information and pricing service for the petrochemicals and energy 
sector; BankersAccuity (previously Bankers’ Almanac and Accuity), 
 a leading provider of reference data on the banking industry; 
XpertHR, an online service providing human resources data, 
regulatory guidance, best practices and tools for HR professionals; 
and Reed Construction Data, a provider of online construction data 
to the North American construction industry. 

The major online marketing solutions include: totaljobs.com,  
a major Uk online recruitment site; and Hotfrog, a global online 
business directory. Premier publishing brands include Variety  
in the US, New Scientist in the Uk and the Elsevier magazine in  
the Netherlands.

In 2011, RBI continued to significantly reshape its portfolio, 
addressing continued growth opportunities in data services and 
the accelerated migration of customer marketing spend to web 
media while managing value from the remaining print businesses.

During the year RBI expanded the data services businesses with 
three significant acquisitions. In January 2011, RBI completed the 
transaction to take majority ownership of CBI China, the market 
leading petrochemical and energy information service in China, 

Global provider of news and pricing data to the 
chemical and energy industries

Online aircraft and engine data used by  
airline industry to inform decisions and  
identify opportunities

A leading supplier of banking intelligence  
to the global financial industry

Construction data, building product 
information, cost data, market analysis  
and advertising channels to construction 
industry professionals

Leading HR legal compliance and good  
practice toolkit

Premier source of entertainment business 
news and analysis since 1905

World’s leading science and technology  
media brand

Leading news and opinion magazine in the 
Netherlands

Uk generalist job website attracting over  
3.7 million jobseekers and carrying over  
125,000 jobs every month

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

27

bringing unrivalled coverage of the important and growing 
Chinese and Asian chemicals and energy markets, strengthening 
ICIS’s global position. In June 2011, RBI acquired Ascend, a leading 
provider of online fleet data and valuations to the aviation industry, 
complementing RBI’s existing data and content services and the 
aerospace platform, Flightglobal. In November 2011, RBI completed 
the acquisition of Accuity Inc. for a total cost of £343m. Accuity is a 
leading US provider of online subscription-based data solutions 
for the financial services industry which enable customers to 
maximise the accuracy of their banking and payment transactions, 
and to minimise the risk of non-compliance with government 
regulations in these transactions. Accuity is being integrated with 
RBI’s Bankers’ Almanac, to form BankersAccuity, establishing a 
global standard for payment efficiency and compliance solutions. 

RBI continued to create value from its existing magazine brands, 
whilst exiting a number of titles including those in the computing, 
social care and road transport markets in the Uk and the 
construction market in the Netherlands. RBI also sold the Uk  
QSS magazine subscription fulfilment business during the course 
of the year.

market opportunities
The growing need for authoritative industry data and information is 
driving demand for online subscription data services and providing 
new opportunities. Business to business marketing spend has 
historically been driven by levels of corporate profitability, which 
itself has followed GDP growth, and business investment.

Strategic priorities
RBI’s strategic goal is to help business professionals achieve 
better outcomes with information and decision support in its 
individual markets. Its areas of strategic focus are: further 
growing the data services businesses; restructuring the business 
magazines and advertising driven portfolio, to develop online 
services in key markets and support print franchises through 
brand extensions and redesign; and to realign the cost base with 
revenue expectations and drive further organisational 
effectiveness.

Business model, distribution channels and competition
Across the RBI portfolio, user and subscription revenues now 
account for 62% of the total business with the remaining 38% derived 
from print and online advertising and lead generation. RBI electronic 
revenue streams now account for 51% of total revenue.

Data services are typically sold directly on a subscription or 
transactional basis. Business magazines are distributed on a paid 
or controlled circulation basis. Advertising and lead generation 
revenues are sold directly or through agents. 

RBI’s data services and titles compete with a number of publishers 
on a service and title by title basis including: UBM, McGraw Hill  
and Wolters kluwer as well as many niche and privately-owned 
competitors. RBI competes for online advertising with other 
business to business websites as well as Monster, Google and 
other search engines. 

ELEctRoNIc REVENUE

USER ANd SUBScRIPtIoN REVENUE

34%

38%

30%

46%

51%

44%

46%

54%

59%

62%

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Demand for online data services and marketing solutions drives increasing 
proportion of online revenue.

Increasing proportion of user and subscription revenues driven by organic 
growth in subscription businesses and portfolio change.

REVENUE By SEgmENt

£695m

REVENUE By gEogRAPhIc mARkEt

£695m

Other business
magazines/services

Data services

Rest of World

North America

Major marketing
solutions

Leading brands

Rest of 
Europe

Netherlands

UK

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28

BUSINESS REVIEW
REED BUSINESS INFORMATION

Revenue 

Adjusted operating profit

2011
£m

695

110

2010
£m

718

89

Change

-3%

+23%

Change at constant
currencies

-4%

+22%

Change 
underlying

+1%

+15%

2011 financial performance

RBI returned to underlying revenue growth, with strong growth 
in data services mostly offset by continued weakness in print 
advertising. We made significant further progress on portfolio 
realignment with acquisitions in data services and disposals  
of print magazine titles. the majority of the margin increase 
reflects organic development, supported by our exits from  
low margin businesses.

Underlying revenues and adjusted operating profits were up  
1% and 15% respectively.

The major data services businesses, which accounted for 25%  
of RBI revenues in 2011, delivered underlying revenue growth  
of 9%, with strong growth in ICIS, Bankers’ Almanac and XpertHR, 
partially offset by Reed Construction Data serving the challenged 
US construction industry. Online marketing solutions grew 2%, 
driven largely by Totaljobs in the Uk online recruitment market, 
offset by weakness in lead generation businesses, BuyerZone and 
Hotfrog. Leading brands saw stable revenues, with online growth 
compensating for print advertising declines. Other business 
magazines and communities saw an underlying revenue decline  
of 5% reflecting continued print advertising market weakness.

Underlying costs were down 2%, reflecting continuing measures 
taken to realign the cost base. Adjusted operating margins 
increased 3.4 percentage points to 15.8%.

RBI built on its existing data services offerings with three 
acquisitions made in the year. The acquisition of a majority stake  
in CBI China brings a market leading petrochemical and energy 
information business to complement ICIS. The combination of 
Accuity, acquired in November, with Bankers’ Almanac creates 
leading positions in payment efficiency, transaction compliance and 
bank counterparty assessment for the financial services industry. 
Ascend, a leading provider of online aircraft and valuation data to  
the aviation industry, complements the Flightglobal aerospace 
business. A number of disposals were also made during the 
course of the year, including Uk road transport and computing 
titles and the QSS magazine subscription fulfilment business.

outlook
Good growth in data services is expected to continue in 2012  
offset by softness in print advertising. RBI will have a full year 
contribution from the recent acquisitions of CBI China, Ascend and 
Accuity, partially offset by the effects of small disposals. In the 
current economic environment, we remain cautious on the near 
term outlook for advertising and marketing based revenues.

REVENUE

£m

AdjUStEd oPERAtINg PRofIt

£m

906

987

891

718

695

121

126

89

89

110

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

29

Corporate 
responsibility

The Corporate Responsibility Report is an  
integral part of our Annual Reports and  
Financial Statements. This section highlights  
key achievements relative to our 2011 corporate 
responsibility objectives. You can read the  
full 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report at  
reporting.reedelsevier.com/cr11

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BUSINESS REVIEW
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate responsibility

Corporate responsibility ensures 
good management of risks and 
opportunities, helps us attract  
and retain the best people, and 
strengthens our corporate 
reputation. It means performing  
to the highest commercial and 
ethical standards and channelling 
our knowledge and strengths,  
as global leaders in our industries, 
to make a difference to society.

Constant engagement with stakeholders, including shareholders, 
employees, communities, governments, and members of civil 
society, helps us determine material corporate responsibility 
issues. The Reed Elsevier Boards, senior management,  
and the Corporate Responsibility Forum oversee corresponding 
objectives and monitor performance against them.

We concentrate on the unique contributions we make as a 
business and on good management of the material areas that 
affect all companies encompassing:

1.  Our unique contributions

2.  Governance

3.  People

4.  Customers

5.  Community

6.  Supply chain

7.  Environment

1. Our unique contributions

We focus on areas where we can make a positive impact on society 
through our knowledge, resources and skills. This includes 
universal sustainable access to information, advance of science 
and health, promotion of the rule of law and justice, and protection 
of society.

Elsevier, the world’s largest scientific publisher, plays an 
important role in advancing human welfare and economic 
progress through its science and health information which spurs 
knowledge and enables critical decision making. To ensure access 
to this information, Elsevier supports key programmes in places 
where resources are often scarce. Among them is Research4Life, 
in partnership with United Nations agencies and other publishers, 
which provides core and cutting-edge scientific information to 
researchers in more than 100 developing countries. In 2011, we 
made available all content on ScienceDirect encompassing around 
2,000 peer-reviewed journals and 15,000 books and made another 
950 health science books available. In the year, there were over 
three million Research4Life article downloads from ScienceDirect.  
In addition to support for ongoing projects, the Elsevier 
Foundation committed $650,000 through its Innovative Libraries 
in Developing Countries programme to support infrastructure-
building and access to primary source material through grants to 
libraries like Tanzania’s Sokoine National Agricultural Library and 
the National University of Laos. Other Foundation grants focused 
on supporting nurse faculties and helping early- to mid-career 
women scientists balance family responsibilities with their 
academic careers. During the year, at the request of the US 
Secretary of State, Elsevier chaired a State Department session 
on promoting women in science in the developing world and 
participated in meetings of the UN Commission on the Status  
of Women.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions tools and resources help protect society. 
It supports non-profit organisations such as the National Center 
for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Cal Ripken Sr. 
Foundation, in addition to a number of large youth development 
organisations. Since 2007, LexisNexis has completed more than 
5.4 million volunteer background checks for such organisations, 
identifying over 475,000 individuals with at least one criminal 
conviction attempting to gain employment or to volunteer with a 
non-profit organisation, including over 1,021 registered sex 
offenders. Employees helped create the ADAM programme which 
assists in the safe recovery of missing children. In partnership with 
NCMEC, ADAM distributes missing child posters to police, news 
media, schools, businesses, medical centres, and other recipients 
within a specific geographic search area. Since launching in 2000, 
126 children have been located. Through the year, LexisNexis Risk 
Solutions helped spread information on the importance of 
volunteer background screening.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

31

Case study
Reed Elsevier supported the 2011 UNICEF report, Children’s 
Vulnerability to Climate Change and Disaster Impacts in 
East Asia and the Pacific, with access to product, experts, 
editorial assistance, and funding.

Millions of children across East Asia and the Pacific already 
suffer from a lack of access to clean water and proper 
sanitation, and are vulnerable to food shocks and risks of 
disease. The report showed that climate change will likely 
worsen this situation.

The UNICEF report presents an analysis of the climate 
change trends and potential impacts on children in East 
Asia and the Pacific, based on findings from country studies 
in Indonesia, Mongolia, the Philippines and Kiribati and 
Vanuatu in the Pacific, as well as children’s perspectives  
on climate change and other research. 

While the report suggests that the impacts of climate 
change vary from country to country, children in all 

Image UNI82296: © UNICEF/NYHQ2010-0452/Cullen

countries were aware that changes in their environment 
were already present. Many stated that climate change  
has affected their families’ livelihoods and, in some cases, 
caused parents to take them out of school to help collect 
water and fuel and supplement household income. In 
Mongolia, children noted harsher winters and declining 
water resources and in the Philippines children spoke of 
heavier rainy periods.

The report cites evidence showing that when children are 
educated, informed and involved, they share information 
with others in their communities and are better able to 
prepare and protect themselves. According to Anupama 
Rao Singh, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the 
Pacific, “Now is the time to put in place adaptation strategies 
that ensure that the risks specific to children are addressed. 
By doing this, we will go some way in helping to build a 
climate-resilient world for children.” 

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BUSINESS REVIEW
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

LexisNexis Legal & Professional promotes justice through its 
products and services. Its Rule of Law Resource Center is a free 
online community covering topics like human rights, protecting 
minority communities, and anti-human trafficking. During the 
year, as lead sponsor of the World Justice Project, LexisNexis 
contributed to the Project’s Rule of Law Index, a quantitative 
assessment tool ranking 66 countries, and supported the Asia 
Pacific Rule of Law Conference in Kuala Lumpur. LexisNexis 
chaired the human trafficking panel at the International Bar 
Association International Conference, helped advance the 
Business Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and was primary 
sponsor of the UK film premiere Not My Life, a documentary filmed 
on five continents highlighting the wide-scale nature of the 
problem; in conjunction with the premier, LexisNexis introduced  
a handbook on human trafficking. During the year, LexisNexis 
South Africa provided pro bono assistance to governments across 
Africa by updating and publishing the laws/law reports of Kenya, 
Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana, Mauritius and Swaziland, to facilitate 
transparency in the administration of justice and law enforcement.

The winner of the $50,000 first prize was the Tagore-SenGupta 
Foundation for a project to install 12 community-level arsenic 
removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia where 
arsenic groundwater contamination is rife. The arsenic removal 
units use regenerable adsorbents and do not require electricity or 
costly maintenance; the technology will provide local employment 
in the construction and installation of units and in the caretaking 
phase of the project. Second prize of $25,000 was awarded to 
Jenna Forsyth, whose project focuses on low-resource chlorine 
generation to address unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation in 
the Nyanza province of western Kenya, one of the poorest regions 
in the country. In partnership with the Program for Appropriate 
Technology in Health, the school-based pilot involves a prototype 
chlorine generator using salt, water and battery power to 
generate chlorine for water disinfection. On a single battery 
charge, the device can run for 200 cycles, generating 40,000 litres 
of clean water. Both projects were featured in the Elsevier journal 
Water Research. The 2012 Environmental Challenge was 
launched in November 2011.

Reed Exhibitions’ trade shows provide platforms for supporting 
our corporate responsibility focus areas. At the 2011 World Travel 
Market, its global event for the travel industry, Reed Exhibitions 
marked World Responsible Tourism Day with the Responsible 
Tourism Awards, recognising sector initiatives in areas like 
poverty reduction, low carbon transport and technology, and 
conservation. Over the last eight years, Reed Exhibitions has  
given free space at the London Book Fair to Book Aid International, 
which annually provides over 500,000 books – including those 
donated from across Reed Elsevier – to readers in the developing 
world, enabling the charity to engage with a wide range of potential 
book and financial donors.

Reed Business Information (RBI) uses the power of its brands to 
aid communities. Variety, the leading entertainment industry news 
source published by RBI, has established initiatives like the Power 
of Youth to spur young entertainers to support philanthropic and 
humanitarian causes, and to encourage their fans to do so as well. 
Since its inception in 2007, Power of Youth has raised more than 
$1 million to aid children; in 2011 beneficiaries included St. Jude 
Children’s Research Hospital, Share Our Strength, and Alex’s 
Lemonade Stand, a charity which fights childhood cancer, begun 
by the child of a former Elsevier employee who lost her battle  
with the disease in 2004. In conjunction with the Power of Youth, 
Variety released its annual Youth Impact Report demonstrating  
the impact young people make in the industry and in their 
communities. Variety has built on the Power of Youth model with 
the Power of Women and the Power of Comedy, highlighting how 
celebrity can be used to beneficial effect.

Drawing on expertise across Reed Elsevier, in 2011 we awarded 
prizes in the first Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge to 
projects that improve sustainable access to water where it is 
presently at risk. We made relevant products available from our 
businesses to over 100 registrants from more than 50 countries. 

2011 OBjEctIVES

Progress

Complete RE Environmental 
Challenge; launch plans  
for 2012

Undertake UNICEF project on 
the impact of climate change  
on children 

Further expansion of 
Research4Life

Winners announced and 
highlighted at World 
Water Week reception 
in Stockholm; 2012 
Environmental Challenge 
launched in November

Supported publication of 
Children’s Vulnerability to 
Climate Change; profiled in 
key publications including 
The Lancet and LexisNexis 
Environment and Climate 
Change Center

Enabled access to all 
ScienceDirect content, 
encompassing 9.5 million 
articles/chapters; addition 
of relevant legal material 
from LexisNexis

2012 OBjEctIVES

ƒƒ Expand alternative energy product portfolio

ƒƒ Facilitate deeper country analysis of UNICEF climate 

change and children report

ƒƒ Broaden reach of Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge

ƒƒ Increase pro bono partnerships

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

33

2. Governance

3. People

The Reed Elsevier Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (Code) is 
disseminated to every employee setting the standard for our 
corporate and individual conduct. Encompassing topics such as 
fair competition, anti-bribery, and human rights, it encourages 
open and principled behaviour. Over 99% of current employees 
completed online Code training by the close of 2011. In addition, 
99% of employees in English speaking countries completed a data 
privacy and security course and 5,000 employees completed 
online training on fair competition with more employees 
scheduled for both courses in 2012. In the year, all US managers 
completed anti-harassment training. We are committed to 
ensuring full compliance with the provisions of the UK Bribery Act, 
and 99% of all employees completed anti-bribery training in 2011.

As a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) – 
businesses must align their governance and operations with ten 
principles related to human rights, labour, environment and 
anti-corruption – we demonstrated leadership in 2011 by serving 
on the Advisory Group for the United Kingdom, the UNGC Supply 
Chain Advisory Group, and CEO Water Mandate Steering 
Committee. In the year, we shared best practice in a European 
local networks guide, provided video content on the UNGC for 
lawyers, and held webinars on the UNGC for our suppliers and  
for members of the UK network.

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

Code of Ethics and Business 
Conduct course completion by 
95% of all employees

Full alignment with Adequate 
Procedures Guidance under  
the UK Bribery Act; 95% 
completion of anti-bribery  
training by relevant employees  
in higher risk roles and 
geographies 

Implementation of updated 
records management policy

99% completion achieved

Alignment activities 
included risk assessments, 
intermediary due diligence, 
and internal reviews by 
internal audit; training 
completed by 99% of all 
employees globally 

US policy and retention 
schedule issued, along with 
online policy review and 
certification process for 
employees

2012 OBjECtIVES

ƒƒ Completion of Code training by 100% of employees within  

90 days of their employment start date

ƒƒ Continue bribery law compliance activities, with particular 
reference to the UK Bribery Act and US Foreign Corrupt 
Practices Act

ƒƒ Records Management Policy roll out to the UK and  

other countries

Our 30,500 people are our strength. Our workforce is 54% female 
and 46% male, with an average length of service of 8 years. 

The Reed Elsevier Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Statement 
articulates our commitment to a diverse workforce and 
environment that respects individuals and their contributions, 
regardless of their gender, race, or other characteristics. In 2011, 
we made progress on our D&I strategy, including by identifying 
one senior champion from each of our business units to serve  
on a D&I Advisory Group. They are supported by our wider D&I 
Working Group, which met throughout the year to share internal 
best practice and hear from experts on topics like unconscious 
bias and creating a D&I culture. We encourage affinity groups,  
like women’s forums, which provide support and mentoring and 
encourage community involvement.

The Reed Elsevier Nominations Committee considers the 
knowledge, experience and background of individual Board 
directors. In the year, in line with the recommendations of the UK 
Davies Review, the Committee announced a 2013 target of 30% 
women on the Reed Elsevier NV Combined Board and 22% women 
on the Reed Elsevier PLC Board.

Our employees have the right to a healthy and safe workplace  
as outlined in the Reed Elsevier Health and Safety Policy. We 
concentrate on areas of greatest risk, for example, warehouses, 
events and exhibitions. However, as a primarily office based 
company, our key impact areas are stress, slips/trips and falls.  
To reduce our severity rate (lost days per 200,000 hours worked), 
we conduct risk assessments, and work with a third party in the 
US to assign a nurse case manager to each complex or severe 
claim. We achieved a 35% reduction in the severity rate since 2008.

In the year, Ernst & Young benchmarked our health and safety 
performance against organisations in our sector and others.  
We are seen as a strong performer in 13 of 19 criteria, however 
there were a number of areas where we can strengthen activities, 
including by advancing our reporting on wellbeing performance 
and its benefits to the business which we will address in the  
year ahead.

Through a new US (where we have our largest concentration of 
employees) programme, REACH, we promoted workplace 
wellbeing through health screenings, online assessments, stress 
awareness training, and weight loss and smoking cessation 
programmes. We also introduced financial incentives for 
participation in such activities.

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BUSINESS REVIEW
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

4. Customers

In 2011, we surveyed more than 250,000 customers through Net 
Promoter Score (measuring customer loyalty) and business 
dashboard programmes. This allows us to deepen understanding 
of their needs and drives forward a customer centric culture 
across Reed Elsevier. Results, reviewed by the CEO and senior 
managers and communicated to staff, illuminate where we are 
doing well and where we must do better. To aid colleagues who 
work with customers, we launched a webinar series, CR as a  
Sales Tool, to help them articulate our commitment to CR and the 
benefits it provides to our business such as reducing our risk and 
strengthening our corporate reputation. We aim to expand  
this with an online resource, the CR Sales Academy, in 2012.

In the year, the Reed Elsevier Editorial Policy was updated to 
indicate the importance of making a clear distinction between fact 
and opinion and user-generated or other content. It also states 
that we encourage dialogue on our content, including through 
social media.

We are committed to improving access to our products and 
services for all users, regardless of physical ability. In 2011,  
we reviewed key products including ScienceDirect, SciVal Experts, 
SciVerse Hub, and MC Strategies Learning Management Software.  
To review accessibility issues around Elsevier’s Article of the 
Future, we set up a multi-university working group which met 
regularly in the year to ensure new and advanced article pages 
would be accessible to all, including disabled users who rely  
on assistive technologies like screen readers. The Accessibility 
Working Group held educational webinars with disabled users  
and accessibility experts, and helped develop a new Elsevier-wide 
Accessibility Policy. The Working Group also produced RE 
Accessibility Matters to share accessibility information with  
staff across the group. In the year, Elsevier’s Global Books Digital 
Archive fulfilled 3,726 disability requests, about 40% through 
AccessText.org, a service we helped establish.

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

Launch CR webinars on 
non-financial performance to 
support customer-facing staff

Consult on Reed Elsevier 
Editorial Policy

Assess accessibility of key 
product websites

Introduced CR as Sales 
Tool webinars covering 
the full range of Reed 
Elsevier’s non-financial 
performance

Policy updated following 
review by editorial staff and 
sector benchmarking 

Reviews of ScienceDirect, 
SciVal Experts, SciVerse 
Hub, MC Strategies LMS 
platform

2012 OBjECtIVES

ƒƒ Roll out updated Editorial Policy

ƒƒ Develop CR Sales Academy

ƒƒ Develop Reed Elsevier accessibility policy

We expanded our annual re:fit2win global competition in 2011, 
adding swimming to the existing categories of walking, cycling  
and running. Winning teams received $1,000 for the charity of their 
choice. 84 teams took part across Reed Elsevier and ran, walked, 
cycled and swam a total of 60,016 miles/96,586 kilometres.

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

Begin implementation of  
diversity and inclusion (D&I) 
strategy in key locations

New and improved people 
sections of external and 
internal websites 

Benchmark health and safety 
performance

Extend preventive care 
programmes

D&I Advisory Group 
formed; review of providers 
for manager training pilot 
and online course for all 
employees; review of 
group recruitment policies; 
communicated with  
senior leaders to share  
D&I strategy 

New people section on 
www.reedelsevier.com and 
revamp of content for new 
global intranet launching 
in 2012 

Sector review by Ernst & 
Young completed by  
year end

New REACH programme 
launched with 50 wellbeing 
coordinators across US; 
expanded workstation 
assessments in UK through 
Complywise

2012 OBjECtIVES

ƒƒ Undertake global employee opinion survey

ƒƒ Initiate diversity and inclusion training pilot

ƒƒ Capture and report on wellbeing performance and  

its benefits

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

35

Case study
In 2010, Reed Elsevier launched a global fundraising  
drive to raise funds for Plan International’s Because I’m a Girl 
campaign, helping disadvantaged girls in India gain 
educational opportunities and awareness of their legal and 
employment rights. By the close of 2011, nearly $70,000  
had been raised through staff fundraising and  
company matching.

The Because I’m a Girl project in the urban slums of Delhi 
addresses critical issues impeding education for children, 
particularly girls. A key goal has been to create child friendly 
schools that are inclusive, healthy, and protective for all 
children, and where children, families, and communities 
are involved. The project has focused on building the 
capacity of teachers, headmasters, and other government 
officials and creating a supportive environment that will 
help to achieve better school retention rates and improve 
academic performance. To date, the project has covered 
three schools and seven child development centres.  

Plan and its local partners have also helped the 
communities and parents support children’s school 
attendance and monitor the quality of the education they 
receive. The results so far include over 600 girls and boys 
enrolled in early child care and development centres, and 
95% of children eligible for primary school enrolled. More 
than 750 women and adolescent girls are now aware of  
the government-sponsored centres available to them and 
409 community leaders have received training on the 
importance of educating girls. Plan estimates nearly 5,000 
more girls will benefit in 2012, helping address issues that 
continue to affect their attendance at school, such as poor 
sanitation facilities and sexual harassment. 

“An educated girl can take her decision appropriately.  
She can handle family in a better way. She can also become 
economically independent and oppose violence.”  
Comment from Neetu, a women’s group member.

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36

BUSINESS REVIEW
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

5. Community

6. Supply chain

We require our suppliers to meet the high standards we set for 
ourselves. Our Supplier Code of Conduct stipulates adherence to 
all laws and best practice in areas such as human rights, labour 
and the environment. Through our Socially Responsible Supplier 
(SRS) database, we tracked 457 critical, preferred, and strategic 
suppliers, and those we deem high risk according to criteria from 
the Corporate Executive Board’s Global Country Analysis Support 
Tool, human trafficking data from the US State Department, and 
rankings in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) produced 
by Yale University and Columbia University. The tracking list 
changes year on year based on the number of suppliers we do 
business with who meet the required criteria. We started 2011 
with 37% of suppliers on the SRS tracking list as signatories to the 
Supplier Code and reached 64% by year end. We have embedded 
signing the Supplier Code into our e-sourcing tool as one of the 
criteria for doing business with us and have an additional 1,700 
signed codes.

Specialist supply chain auditors, Intertek, undertook 41 external 
audits of high risk suppliers, with four deferred and completed in 
January 2012. Any incidence of Supplier Code non-compliance 
identified in the audit process triggers a corrective action plan 
with supplier remediation required on all issues. 

To engage suppliers on key issues, we introduced a Socially 
Responsible Supplier Academy covering the audit process, 
environmental management, diversity and inclusion, community 
engagement, and the UN Global Compact, among other topics.

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

75% of key suppliers as 
Supplier Code of Conduct 
signatories

45 external audits of high risk 
suppliers

Introduce Socially Responsible 
Supplier Academy

Reached 292 or 64%; 1,701 
other Code signatories 

41 external audits completed; 
four deferred to and 
completed in January 2012 

Held 24 classes on 11 topics 

2012 OBjECtIVES

ƒƒ 75% of key suppliers as Supplier Code of Conduct 

signatories

ƒƒ 50 external audits of high risk suppliers

ƒƒ Broaden Socially Responsible Supplier Academy

Reed Elsevier Cares, our global community programme, 
promotes education for disadvantaged young people aligned  
with our unique contributions as a business, and allows staff up to 
two days off per year for their own community work. We donated  
£2.4 million in cash (including through matching gifts) and the 
equivalent of £7.9 million in products, services, and staff time  
in 2011. 

An international network of more than 150 RE Cares Champions 
engage colleagues throughout the year in activities such as the  
RE Cares Challenge, which rewards business sponsored 
community engagement. 

Each September we hold RE Cares Month to celebrate our 
community activities and in 2011 launched a global RE Cares Day 
which involved nearly 4,000 staff in local community projects. 
Among these was a science publishing day which Elsevier Chennai 
hosted for children in their final year of study at the St. Louis 
School for the Deaf and Blind.

During the month we held our annual global book drive yielding 
nearly 2,500 books for local and developing world readers, and 
announced the winners of the first ever Recognising Those Who 
Care Awards to highlight the contributions to RE Cares of eight 
individuals and four teams. Individual winners from each of Reed 
Elsevier’s business units took part in a Habitat for Humanity 
project in Honduras, led by Y.S. Chi, Reed Elsevier’s head of 
Corporate Affairs. The winning teams were from Elsevier San 
Diego, LexisNexis Australia, Reed Exhibitions Norwalk, and RBI 
UK who won cash prizes to donate to their chosen charities.

After the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 
11 March 2011, we acted quickly to ensure the safety and 
well-being of our staff in the country. Employees across Reed 
Elsevier also responded, contributing more than $200,000 in 
employee fundraising and matching gifts across the company to 
support relief efforts. We also provided access to our expertise. 
For example, Elsevier provided medical professionals responding 
to the crisis with free access to MD Consult and First Consult, 
allowing them to search Elsevier content at the point of care, with 
online access via the First Consult iPhone/iPad app. In addition, 
Reed Business Information’s Bankers' Almanac helped banking 
clients publish alternative contact details for staff that relocated  
in the aftermath of the earthquake.

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

Launch RE Cares recognition 
awards

Launched Recognising 
Those Who Care Awards 
programme with senior 
management participation

2012 OBjECtIVES

ƒƒ 25% of employees volunteering through RE Cares

ƒƒ Reach 10,000 disadvantaged young people through 

volunteering, in-kind and cash donations

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

37

7. Environment

2011 OBjECtIVES

Progress

Undertake data centre 
efficiency study

20% of electricity from 
renewables or offsets

Establish Green Team 
Environmental Training 
Academy

2012 OBjECtIVES

Conducted study at major 
US data centre

Achieved 23% 

First module, Why it 
Matters, introduced

ƒƒ Launch updated environmental targets

ƒƒ 25% of electricity from renewable energy or offsets

ƒƒ 50% of key locations to achieve five or more RE 

Environmental Standards

In 2011, we held extensive consultations with stakeholders to 
review our environmental targets. Our updated targets reflect  
our performance and key issues and can be found along with full 
environmental performance details in the 2011 Corporate 
Responsibility Report at reporting.reedelsevier.com/cr11

We worked with IBM on a data centre efficiency study at one of  
our major US data centres in Ohio to identify opportunities for 
environmental and financial improvements. We have developed  
an implementation plan and are rolling out findings to other data 
centres across the business. 

Our Environmental Champions network, employee-led Green 
Teams, and engagement through networks such as Publishers 
Database for Responsible Ethical Paper Sourcing, inform 
management plans to address our environmental impact. Among 
them is the Reed Elsevier Environmental Standards programme, 
which sets benchmark performance levels and inspires green 
competition among offices. In 2011, 40 sites (31% of key locations) 
achieved five or more standards attaining green status. Reed 
Elsevier’s Chief Financial Officer sent an email to all staff 
recognising these locations on World Environment Day and also 
identified Green Heroes across the company who were nominated 
by their peers for their environmental efforts. In the year, we 
invited children of/known to staff to submit their ideas for solving 
environmental challenges which resulted in an online publication, 
Our Children’s Environment.

We have a positive environmental impact through our 
environmental publications and services which spread good 
practice, encourage debate, and aid researchers and decision 
makers. The most recent results from independent Market 
Analysis System show our share of citations in environmental 
science represented 33% of the total market, and 67% in energy 
and fuels.

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KEy PERfORmaNCE INdICatORS

CO2 emissions (2006-2015)2 
Total energy (2008-2015)
Travel emissions (2008-2015)
Water (2008-2015)
Waste recycled (2015)

Target

-10%
-5%
-5%
-10%
70%

Intensity achievement
to date1

Absolute achievement
to date

-19%
1%
-23%
-8%
n/a

8%
13%
-13%
3%
66%

2011
Absolute figure
182,186 tCO2e
269,626 MWh 
35,451 tCO2e
456,795 m3
7,559 t

2011
Intensity figure  
(Absolute/revenue £m)

30.36
44.93
5.91
76.11
1.26

1 The percentage variance between absolute performance divided by revenue in 2011 compared with absolute performance divided by revenue in start year.
2 Gross CO2e emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and Scope 3 business travel).

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38

BUSINESS REVIEW
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

We achieved the following recognition in 2011:

Gold

Ethical Funds recognition

Included in Leadership Index

Scored in top 15% of companies

Ethibel Pioneer and Ethibel Excellence

Included

Sector leader

Sustainability Awards finalist

 VBDO Supply Chain Award

Retained in Goldman Sachs Sustain fund of  
“best managed companies around the globe  
that will succeed on a sustainable basis”

 Triodos Bank Sustainable Equity/ 
Bond Fund, first in publishing sector

THE FULL 2011 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT REPORtING.REEdElSEVIER.COm/CR11

 
 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

39

Financial  
review

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40 Chief Financial Officer’s report
48 Principal risks

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40

FInancIal REVIEW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

Chief Financial Officer’s report

Reported figures

Total revenue was £6,002m (2010: £6,055m). At constant 
currencies, revenue was flat compared with the prior year,  
but down 1% at reported exchange rates. Underlying revenue 
growth was 2%, or 3% excluding the net cycling out of biennial 
exhibitions. This compares with underlying revenue growth in the  
prior year of 2%, or 1% excluding the biennial exhibition cycling. 
The underlying revenue performance reflects the continued 
portfolio development, new product introduction, expanded sales 
& marketing, and other actions taken to improve the business. 
Revenue performance across the business is described in the 
Business Review. 

ReCOnCiliatiOn OF RepORted Revenues yeaR-On-yeaR

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER

2010 revenue
Underlying growth
Acquisitions
Disposals
Currency effects

2011 revenue

£m

 Change 

6,055
88
46
(156)
(31)

6,002

+2%
+1%
-3%
-1%

-1%

Reported operating profit, after amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets, acquisition related costs and, in 2010, 
exceptional restructuring costs was £1,205m (2010: £1,090m).  
The increase reflects the improved trading performance 
described in the Business Review and no exceptional 
restructuring costs.

The amortisation charge in respect of acquired intangible assets, 
including the share of amortisation in joint ventures, amounted to 
£359m (2010: £349m). 

Exceptional restructuring costs were nil (2010: £57m, in respect  
of the restructuring of RBI). Acquisition related costs amounted  
to £52m (2010: £50m), most significantly in respect of technology 
integration within LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Disposals and other 
non operating losses were £21m (2010: £46m), including the share 
of disposal profits in joint ventures.

Net finance costs were lower at £235m (2010: £276m), reflecting 
the strong free cash flow, term debt redemptions and the expiry  
of interest rate swaps. 

The reported profit before tax was £948m (2010: £768m). The 
reported tax charge was £181m (2010: £120m). The reported net 
profit attributable to the parent companies’ shareholders was 
£760m (2010: £642m).

mark armour, Chief Financial Officer

2011 saw good financial progress 
reflecting the improved trading 
performance, strong cash flow 
and capital discipline. earnings 
grew well and post-tax returns  
on invested capital increased to 
11.2%. Reed elsevier’s balance 
sheet remains strong with 
acquisition activity funded by free 
cash flow and disposals and net 
debt 2.3 times adjusted eBitda.

REVEnuE

£m

5,334

4,584

6,071

6,055

6,002

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

41

Reported figures
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net borrowings

adjusted figures
Operating profit
Operating margin
Profit before tax
Net profit
Operating cash flow
Operating cash flow conversion
Return on invested capital

2011
£m

2010
£m

Change

Change
at constant
currencies

Change 
underlying

+2%

+5%

6,002
1,205
948
760
3,433

1,626
27.1%
1,391
1,060
1,515
93%
11.2%

6,055
1,090
768
642
3,455

-1%
+11%
+23%
+18%

+5%
1,555
25.7% +1.4%pts
+9%
1,279
+8%
983
1,519
0%
98%

10.6% +0.6%pts

0%
+8%
+20%
+15%

+4%

+7%
+6%
-1%

Reed Elsevier uses adjusted and underlying figures as additional performance measures. Adjusted figures are stated before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, 
exceptional restructuring (none in 2011) and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items, related tax effects and movements in deferred 
taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and 
intangible assets. Adjusted operating profit is also grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint ventures. Exceptional restructuring costs in 2010 related to the 
restructuring of the Reed Business Information business. Acquisition related costs relate to acquisition integration and professional and other transaction related fees and 
adjustments to deferred and contingent consideration. Reconciliations between the reported and adjusted figures are set out in note 10 to the combined financial statements. 
Underlying growth rates are calculated at constant currencies, and exclude the results of all acquisitions and disposals made both in the year and prior year and assets held for 
sale. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2010 full year average and hedge exchange rates.

adjusted figures

Adjusted operating profit was £1,626m (2010: £1,555m), up 5%.  
At constant currencies, adjusted operating profits were up 4%. 
Underlying growth in adjusted operating profits was 5%.  
Profit performance across the business is described in the 
Business Review.

ReCOnCiliatiOn OF adjusted OpeRating pROFit  
yeaR-On-yeaR

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER

£m

Change 

2010 adjusted operating profit
Underlying growth
Acquisitions
Disposals
Currency effects

2011 adjusted operating profit

1,555
73
8
(25)
15

1,626

+5%
+1%
-2%
+1%

+5%

Underlying costs were flat against the prior year, despite business 
growth and additional spending on new product development and 

sales & marketing, reflecting the continued focus on process 
efficiency and procurement savings, and the benefit of prior year 
restructuring. Total costs fell by 2% at constant currencies, 
including acquisitions and disposals.

The overall adjusted operating margin at 27.1% was 1.4 percentage 
points higher than last year. This included a 0.4 percentage point 
benefit to margin of the multi-year subscription currency hedging 
programme and other currency translation effects.

Changes in undeRlying Revenue, COst and pROFit

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER 2011 

Adjusted 
operating 
cost

 Adjusted 
operating 
profit 

Revenue

Elsevier
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
Reed Exhibitions
Reed Business Information

Reed Elsevier – underlying

+2%
+4%
+1%
0%
+1%

+2%

+1%
-1%
+1%
-1%
-2%

0%

+4%
+12%
-2%
+2%
+15%

+5%

adjustEd opERatIng pRoFIt

adjustEd opERatIng pRoFIt maRgIn

£m

1,379

1,137

1,570

1,555

1,626

24.8%

25.9%

25.9%

25.7%

27.1%

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42

FInancIal REVIEW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

The net pension expense, before the net pension financing credit, 
was £96m (2010: £80m), the increase reflecting the effect of lower 
discount rates on the service cost and lower curtailment credits of 
£9m (2010: £17m) from changes to plan design. The net pension 
financing credit was £34m (2010: £26m) reflecting the higher 
market value of scheme assets at the beginning of the year 
compared with a year before. The share based and related 
remuneration charge was £27m (2010: £11m).

Adjusted profit before tax was £1,391m (2010: £1,279m), up 9%, 
and up 7% at constant currencies, reflecting the increase in 
adjusted operating profits and the lower net interest expense. 

ReCOnCiliatiOn OF adjusted and RepORted pROFit 
BeFORe tax

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER 

Adjusted profit before tax
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures
Disposals and other non operating items

Reported profit before tax

2011
£m

1,391
(359)
–
(52)
(11)
(21)

948

 2010
£m 

1,279
(349)
(57)
(50)
(9)
(46)

768

The effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax at 23.3% was  
0.6 percentage points higher than in the prior year, reflecting the 
geographic mix of the net increase in pre-tax profits. The effective 
tax rate on adjusted profit before tax excludes movements in 
deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to 
crystallise in the near term, and includes the benefit of tax 
amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and intangible 
assets. This more closely aligns with cash tax costs over the 
longer term. Adjusted operating profits and taxation are grossed 
up for the equity share of taxes in joint ventures.

The application of tax law and practice is subject to some 
uncertainty and amounts are provided in respect of this.  
Issues are raised during the course of regular tax audits  
and discussions including on the deductibility of interest on 
cross-border financing are ongoing. Although the outcome  
of open items cannot be predicted, no material impact on  
results is expected from such issues.

The adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders of £1,060m  
(2010: £983m) was up 8% and up 6% at constant currencies.

Cash flows

Adjusted operating cash flow was £1,515m (2010: £1,519m),  
flat compared with the prior year or down 1% at constant 
currencies. The rate of conversion of adjusted operating profits 
into cash flow was 93% (2010: 98%). The lower level of cash flow 
conversion reflects higher capital expenditure in 2011 and lower 
depreciation due to disposals and accelerated depreciation  
in 2010. 

COnveRsiOn OF adjusted OpeRating pROFit intO Cash

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER 

Adjusted operating profit
Capital expenditure
Depreciation and amortisation of internally 

developed intangible assets
Working capital and other items

Adjusted operating cash flow

Cash flow conversion

2011
£m

1,626
(350)

207
32

1,515

93%

 2010
£m 

1,555
(311)

237
38

1,519

98%

Capital expenditure included within adjusted operating cash flow 
was £350m (2010: £311m), including £265m (2010: £228m) in 
respect of capitalised development costs included within 
internally generated intangible assets. The increase from the 
prior year reflects increased investment in new products and 
related infrastructure, particularly in the LexisNexis Legal &  
Professional business. 

Free cash flow – after interest and taxation – was £1,062m  
(2010: £1,131m) before acquisition related spend and cash flows 
relating to prior year exceptional restructuring programmes.  
The decrease reflects higher taxes paid at £218m (2010: £101m) 
before taking account of tax relief in respect of acquisition related 
and exceptional restructuring spend, with 2010 benefiting from 
tax repayments from prior years. 

Payments made in respect of acquisition related costs amounted 
to £38m (2010: £51m), principally in respect of the ChoicePoint 
integration. Payments in respect of the prior year exceptional 
restructuring programmes were £52m (2010: £99m), principally 
relating to severance and vacant property costs. Net tax paid was 
reduced by £5m (2010: £42m) in respect of acquisition related and 
exceptional restructuring spend.

Free cash flow before dividends was £977m (2010: £1,023m). 
Ordinary dividends paid to shareholders in the year, being the  
2010 final and 2011 interim dividends, amounted to £497m (2010: 
£483m). Free cash flow after dividends was £480m (2010: £540m).

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

43

ReCOnCiliatiOn OF net deBt yeaR-On-yeaR

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER 

Net debt at 1 January
Free cash flow post dividends
Acquisitions/disposals:

Disposals*
Acquisitions*

Net proceeds from share options exercised
Other
Currency translation

2011
£m

(3,455)
480

73
(555)
9
(9)
24

 2010
£m 

(3,931)
540

40
(39)
11
1
(77)

Net debt at 31 December

(3,433)

(3,455)

* Including cash tax relief/payment.

The ratio of net debt to adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation) at 31 December 2011 was  
1.8x (2010: 1.9x), and 2.3x (2010: 2.5x) on a pensions and lease 
adjusted basis. 

liquidity
In May 2011, the first of two one year extension options was 
exercised on the US$2.0bn committed bank facility taking the 
maturity to June 2014. This back up facility provides security of 
funding for US$2.0bn of short term debt to June 2014. In January 
2012, $450m of US term debt maturing in June 2012 was 
redeemed early, taking advantage of the make-whole election. 

After taking account of committed bank facilities and available 
cash resources, no borrowings mature until 2014. The strong  
free cash flow of the business, the available resources and back  
up facilities, and Reed Elsevier’s ability to access debt capital 
markets are expected to provide sufficient liquidity to repay or 
refinance borrowings as they mature.

Details on the treasury policies of the Combined Businesses are 
on pages 46 and 47 and in note 18 to the Combined Financial 
Statements.

FRee Cash FlOw

yEaR to 31 dEcEmbER 

Adjusted operating cash flow
Interest paid
Tax paid

Free cash flow before exceptional spend
Restructuring/acquisition related costs*

Free cash flow before dividends
Ordinary dividends

Free cash flow post dividends

* Including cash tax relief/repayments.

Funding

2011
£m

1,515
(235)
(218)

1,062
(85)

977
(497)

480

 2010
£m 

1,519
(287)
(101)

1,131
(108)

1,023
(483)

540

debt
Net borrowings at 31 December 2011 were £3,433m, a decrease  
of £22m since 31 December 2010. Excluding currency translation 
effects, net debt increased by £2m, with acquisitions funded from 
free cash flow and disposals. Expressed in US dollars, net 
borrowings at 31 December 2011 were $5,325m, a decrease  
of $62m since 31 December 2010.

Gross borrowings after fair value adjustments at 31 December 
2011 amounted to £4,282m (2010: £4,302m). The fair value of 
related derivative assets was £123m (2010: £105m). Cash 
balances totalled £726m (2010: £742m).

As at 31 December 2011, after taking into account interest rate  
and currency derivatives, a total of 69% of Reed Elsevier’s gross 
borrowings were at fixed rates with a weighted average remaining 
life of 4.7 years and interest rate of 5.8%. Taking into account the 
cash balances and the fair value of derivatives, as at 31 December 
2011, 86% of Reed Elsevier’s net borrowings were at fixed rates.

Cash spend on acquisitions, investments and the buy out of  
non-controlling interests was £557m, including debt acquired  
of £18m and deferred consideration of £25m payable on past 
acquisitions. Net cash proceeds from disposals was £80m. Net  
tax paid was increased by £5m (2010: £50m repayment) in respect  
of acquisitions and disposals. Net proceeds from the exercise of 
share options were £9m (2010: £11m). No share repurchases were 
made by the parent companies in the year (2010: nil) and no shares 
of the parent companies were purchased by the employee benefit 
trust (2010: nil).

adjustEd opERatIng cash FloW conVERsIon

tERm dEbt matuRIty pRoFIlE

97%

102%

99%

98%

93%

$m

594

1,015

921

950

620

500

286

551

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44

FInancIal REVIEW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

Capital employed and returns

elsevier Reed Finance Bv 

summaRy BalanCe sheet

as at 31 dEcEmbER 

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets
Internally developed intangible assets
Investments and net assets held for sale
Property, plant and equipment 
Net pension deficit
Working capital

2011
£m

7,628
595
215
288
(242)
(1,060)

 2010
£m 

7,429
469
184
291
(170)
(1,000)

structure
Elsevier Reed Finance BV, the Dutch parent company of the 
Elsevier Reed Finance BV group (“ERF”), is directly owned by  
Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. ERF provides treasury, 
finance, intellectual property and reinsurance services to the 
Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses through its subsidiaries in 
Switzerland: Elsevier Finance SA (“EFSA”), Elsevier Properties  
SA (“EPSA”) and Elsevier Risks SA (“ERSA”). These three Swiss 
companies are organised under one Swiss holding company, 
which is in turn owned by Elsevier Reed Finance BV.

Capital employed

7,424

7,203

Net capital employed was £7,424m (2010: £7,203m) at  
31 December 2011, an increase of £221m.

The carrying value of goodwill and acquired intangible assets 
increased by £199m, reflecting acquisitions in 2011 less the annual 
amortisation charge. An amount of £311m was capitalised in the 
year as acquired intangible assets and £300m as goodwill. 

Development costs of £270m (2010: £228m) were capitalised 
within internally developed intangible assets most notably 
investment in new products and related infrastructure in the 
LexisNexis Legal & Professional business. 

Net pension obligations, i.e. pension obligations less pension 
assets, at 31 December 2011 were £242m (31 December 2010: 
£170m). This included a net deficit of £87m (31 December 2010: 
£24m) in respect of funded schemes, which were on average 98% 
funded at the end of the year. The increase in the overall net deficit 
reflects a reduction in average discount rates at the end of the year 
compared with the end of the prior year.

Negative working capital increased by £60m, reflecting an 
increase in deferred revenue on subscription growth and lower 
physical inventory.

Gross capital employed at 31 December 2011 was £11,968m  
(2010: £11,661m) after adding back cumulative accumulated 
amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets and 
goodwill. The increase of £307m principally reflects acquisition 
activity and investments in new products and infrastructure.

The return on average capital employed in the year was 11.2%  
(2010: 10.6%). This is based on adjusted operating profits for the 
year, less tax at the effective rate, and the average of the capital 
employed at the beginning and end of the year, retranslated at  
the average exchange rates, adjusted to exclude the gross up  
to goodwill in respect of deferred tax liabilities established on 
acquisitions in relation to intangible assets. The increase in  
the return reflects the improved trading performance, strong 
cash flow and capital efficiency.

activities
EFSA is the principal treasury centre for the Reed Elsevier 
combined businesses. It is responsible for all aspects of treasury 
advice and support for Reed Elsevier Group plc’s businesses 
operating in Continental Europe, Latin America, the Pacific Rim, 
India, China and certain other territories, and undertakes foreign 
exchange and derivatives dealing services for the whole of Reed 
Elsevier. EFSA also arranges or directly provides Reed Elsevier 
Group plc businesses with financing for acquisitions, product 
development and other general requirements and manages cash 
pools, investments and debt programmes on their behalf.

EPSA actively manages intellectual property assets including 
trademarks such as The Lancet and databases such as Reaxys and 
PharmaPendium. In 2011 it continued to strengthen its position  
as a centre of excellence in the management and development of 
intellectual property assets. ERSA is responsible for reinsurance 
activities for Reed Elsevier.

major developments 
In 2011, EFSA was active in arranging the financing and foreign 
currency contracts for Reed Elsevier Group plc companies related 
to cross border dividends and acquisitions. It negotiated and 
advised Reed Elsevier Group plc companies on a number of 
banking and cash management arrangements in Continental 
Europe and Asia and continued to advise on treasury matters, 
including interest rate, foreign currency and certain other 
financial exposures.

The average balance of cash under management by EFSA in 2011, 
on behalf of Reed Elsevier Group plc and its parent companies, 
was approximately US$0.8bn (2010: US$0.8bn).

liabilities and assets
At 31 December 2011, 91% (2010: 84%) of ERF’s gross assets  
were held in US dollars and 9% (2010: 15%) in euros, including 
US$8.6bn (2010: US$8.7bn) and €0.6bn (2010: €0.6bn) in loans  
to Reed Elsevier Group plc subsidiaries. Loans made to  
Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses are funded from equity,  
long term debt of US$2bn and short term debt of US$0.5bn  
backed by committed bank facilities. Sources of long term  
debt include Swiss domestic public bonds, bilateral term loans, 
private placements and syndicated bank facilities. Short term 
debt is primarily derived from euro and US commercial  
paper programmes.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

45

2011
£m

389
561

2010
£m

327
520

32.4p
46.7p
21.55p

27.3p
43.4p
20.40p

€m

437
610

€m

376
575

€0.59
€0.83
€0.436

€0.51
€0.78
€0.412

Change
at constant
currencies

+6%

+6%

+6%

+6%

Change

+19%
+8%

+19%
+8%
+6%

+16%
+6%

+16%
+6%
+6%

Dividend cover, based on adjusted earnings per share and the  
total interim and proposed final dividends for the year, is 2.2 times 
(2010: 2.1x) for Reed Elsevier PLC and 1.9 times (2010: 1.9x) for 
Reed Elsevier NV. The dividend policy of the parent companies is, 
subject to currency considerations, to grow dividends broadly in 
line with adjusted earnings per share whilst maintaining dividend 
cover (being the number of times the annual dividend is covered  
by the adjusted earnings per share) of at least two times over the 
longer term.

parent companies

Reed Elsevier plc

Reported net profit
Adjusted net profit

Reported earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share
Ordinary dividend per share

Reed Elsevier nV

Reported net profit
Adjusted net profit

Reported earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share
Ordinary dividend per share

For the parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier 
NV, adjusted earnings per share were up 8% at 46.7p (2010: 43.4p) 
and 6% at €0.83 (2010: €0.78) respectively. At constant rates of 
exchange, the adjusted earnings per share of both companies 
increased by 6%.

The reported earnings per share for Reed Elsevier PLC 
shareholders was 32.4p (2010: 27.3p) and for Reed Elsevier NV 
shareholders was €0.59 (2010: €0.51). The increase reflects the 
improved trading performance, no exceptional restructuring 
costs and lower net interest expense.

The equalised final dividends proposed by the respective Boards 
are 15.9p per share for Reed Elsevier PLC and €0.326 per share for 
Reed Elsevier NV, 6% and 8% higher respectively compared with 
the prior year final dividends. This gives total dividends for the  
year of 21.55p (2010: 20.40p) and €0.436 (2010: €0.412), both up 
6%. (The difference in growth rates in the equalised final 
dividends, and in the earlier interim dividends, reflects changes in 
the euro: sterling exchange rate since the respective prior year 
dividend announcement dates.)

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46

FInancIal REVIEW
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S REPORT

accounting policies

The combined financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed  
by the European Union and as issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board following the accounting policies 
shown on pages 88 to 93. The most significant accounting policies 
in determining the financial condition and results of the combined 
businesses, and those requiring the most subjective or complex 
judgement, relate to the valuation of goodwill and intangible 
assets, share based remuneration, pensions, litigation, taxation 
and property provisioning. Further detail is provided in the 
accounting policies on pages 91 to 93.

treasury policies

The Boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have 
requested that Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance 
BV have due regard to the best interests of Reed Elsevier PLC and 
Reed Elsevier NV shareholders in the formulation of treasury 
policies. Financial instruments are used to finance the Reed 
Elsevier businesses and to hedge transactions. Reed Elsevier’s 
businesses do not enter into speculative transactions. The main 
treasury risks faced by Reed Elsevier are liquidity risk, interest 
rate risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk. The Boards of the 
parent companies agree overall policy guidelines for managing 
each of these risks and the Boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc and 
Elsevier Finance SA agree policies (in line with parent company 
guidelines) for their respective business and treasury centres.  
A summary of these policies is given below.

capital and liquidity management
The capital structure is managed to support Reed Elsevier’s 
objective of maximising long term shareholder value through 
appropriate security of funding, ready access to debt and capital 
markets, cost effective borrowing and flexibility to fund business 
and acquisition opportunities whilst maintaining appropriate 
leverage to optimise the cost of capital.

Over the long term Reed Elsevier targets cash flow conversion 
(the proportion of adjusted operating profits converted into cash) 
and credit metrics to reflect this aim and that are consistent with a 
solid investment grade credit rating. Levels of net debt should not 
exceed those consistent with such a rating other than for relatively 
short periods of time, for instance following an acquisition. The 
principal metrics utilised are free cash flow (after interest, tax and 
dividends) to net debt, net debt to EBITDA (earnings before 
interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) and EBITDA to 
net interest and these metrics are monitored and reported to 
senior management and the board representatives on a quarterly 
basis. Cash flow conversion of 90% or higher is consistent with the 
rating target. The cash flow conversion in 2011 was 93% and as at 
31 December 2011 net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 2.3x (2010: 
2.5x) on a pensions and lease adjusted basis.

Reed Elsevier’s use of cash over the longer term reflects these 
objectives through a progressive dividend policy, selective 
acquisitions and, from time to time when conditions suggest, 
share repurchases whilst retaining the balance sheet strength to 
maintain access to the most cost effective sources of borrowing 
and to support Reed Elsevier’s strategic ambition in evolving 
publishing and information markets. 

The balance of long term debt, short term debt and committed 
bank facilities is managed to provide security of funding, taking 
into account the cash generation of the business and the uncertain 
size and timing of acquisition spend. Reed Elsevier maintains  
a range of borrowing facilities and debt programmes from a 
variety of sources to fund its requirements at short notice and at 
competitive rates. The significance of Reed Elsevier Group plc’s 
US operations means that the majority of debt is denominated in 
US dollars. Policy requires that no more than US$1.5bn of term 
debt issues should mature in any 12-month period and no more 
than US$3.0bn in any 36-month period. In addition, minimum 
levels of borrowings with maturities over three and five years are 
specified, depending on the level of net debt and free cash flow. 
From time to time, Reed Elsevier may redeem term debt early or 
repurchase outstanding debt in the open market depending on 
market conditions.

There were no changes to Reed Elsevier’s long term approach  
to capital and liquidity management during the year.

Interest rate exposure management
Reed Elsevier’s interest rate exposure management policy is 
aimed at reducing the exposure of the combined businesses to 
changes in interest rates. The proportion of interest expense that 
is fixed on net debt is determined by reference to the level of net 
interest cover. Reed Elsevier uses fixed rate term debt, interest 
rate swaps, forward rate agreements and interest rate options to 
manage the exposure. Interest rate derivatives are used only to 
hedge an underlying risk and no net market positions are held.

After taking into account interest rate and currency derivatives,  
at 31 December 2011 interest expense was fixed on an average  
of £2.4bn of forecast debt for the next 24 months. This fixed rate 
debt reduces to £2.0bn by the end of 2013 and reduces further 
thereafter with all but £0.4bn of fixed rate term debt (not swapped 
to floating rate) having matured by the end of 2019.

At 31 December 2011, fixed rate term debt (not swapped to floating 
rate) amounted to £2.4bn (2010: £2.5bn) and had a weighted average 
life remaining of 5.7 years (2010: 6.4 years) and a weighted average 
interest rate of 6.5% (2010: 6.4%). Interest rate derivatives in place 
at 31 December 2011, which fix the interest cost on an additional  
£0.6bn (2010: £0.6bn) of variable rate debt, have a weighted average 
maturity of 0.8 years (2010: 1.1 years) and a weighted average 
interest rate of 3.2% (2010: 4.2%).

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

47

Foreign currency exposure management
Translation exposures arise on the earnings and net assets of 
business operations in countries other than those of each parent 
company. These exposures are hedged, to a significant extent, by a 
policy of denominating borrowings in currencies where significant 
translation exposures exist, most notably US dollars. Currency 
exposures on transactions denominated in a foreign currency  
are required to be hedged using forward contracts. In addition, 
recurring transactions and future investment exposures may be 
hedged, in advance of becoming contractual. The precise policy 
differs according to the specific circumstances of the individual 
businesses. Highly predictable future cash flows may be covered 
for transactions expected to occur during the next 24 months (50 
months for Elsevier science and medical subscription businesses) 
within limits defined according to the period before the transaction 
is expected to become contractual. Cover takes the form of foreign 
exchange forward contracts.

As at 31 December 2011, the amount of outstanding foreign 
exchange cover against future transactions was £1.3bn  
(2010: £1.1bn).

credit risk
Reed Elsevier has a credit exposure for the full principal amount  
of cash and cash equivalents held with individual counterparties. 
In addition, it has a credit risk from the potential non performance 
by counterparties to financial instruments; this credit risk 
normally being restricted to the amounts of any hedge gain and  
not the full principal amount being hedged. Credit risks are 
controlled by monitoring the credit quality of counterparties, 
principally licensed commercial banks and investment banks  
with strong long term credit ratings, and the amounts outstanding 
with each of them.

Reed Elsevier has treasury policies in place which do not allow 
concentrations of risk with individual counterparties and do not 
allow significant treasury exposures with counterparties which 
are rated lower than A/A2 by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch. 
At 31 December 2011, cash and cash equivalents totalled £726m, 
of which 98% was held with banks rated A/A2 or better.

mark armour
Chief Financial Officer

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48

FInancIal REVIEW
PRINCIPAL RISKS

principal risks

Reed Elsevier has established risk management practices that 
are embedded into the operations of the businesses, based on  
the framework in internal control issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 
The principal risks facing Reed Elsevier, which have been 
considered by the Audit Committees and Boards, are described 
below. It is not possible to identify every risk that could affect our 
businesses, and the actions taken to mitigate the risks described 
below cannot provide absolute assurance that a risk will not 
materialise and/or adversely affect our business or financial 

performance. Our risk management and internal control 
processes are described in the Structure and Corporate 
Governance section. A description of the business and a 
discussion of factors affecting performance is set out in the Chief 
Executive Officer’s report and Business Review. Financial risks 
are discussed in the Chief Financial Officer’s report and in note 18 
to the combined financial statements. Our approach to managing 
environmental and other non financial risks is set out in the 
Business Review and the separate Corporate Responsibility 
Report. Important specific risks identified include:

ExtERnal RIsks

Risk

description and impact

mitigation

Economy and 
market 
conditions

Demand for our products and services may be  
impacted by factors such as the economic environment 
in the US, Europe and other major economies, and 
government funding.

Intellectual 
property rights

data resources

paid 
subscriptions

Our products and services are largely comprised of 
intellectual property content delivered through a variety 
of media. We rely on trademark, copyright, patent and 
other intellectual property laws to establish and protect 
our proprietary rights in these products and services. 
There is a risk that our proprietary rights could be 
challenged, limited, invalidated or circumvented which 
may impact demand for and pricing of our products  
and services.

A number of our businesses rely extensively upon 
content and data from external sources. Data is 
obtained from public records, governmental 
authorities, customers and other information 
companies, including competitors. The disruption or 
loss of data sources, because of changes in the law or 
because data suppliers decide not to supply them, could 
adversely affect our products and services if we were 
unable to arrange for substitute sources in a timely 
manner or at all.

Our scientific, technical and medical (STM) primary 
publications, like those of most of our competitors,  
are published on a paid subscription basis. There is 
continuous debate in the government, academic  
and library communities, which are the principal 
customers for our STM publications, regarding  
whether such publications should be funded  
instead through fees charged to authors and from 
governmental and other subsidies or made freely 
available after a period following publication. If these 
methods of STM publishing are widely adopted or 
mandated, it could adversely affect our revenue  
from paid subscription publications.

Our businesses are focused on professional markets 
which have generally been more resilient in periods  
of economic downturn. We deliver information 
solutions, many on a subscription basis, which  
are important to our customers’ effectiveness  
and efficiency. 

We actively engage in developing and promoting the 
legal protection of intellectual property rights. In our 
businesses, subscription contracts with customers 
contain provisions as to the use of proprietary content. 
We are also vigilant as to the use of our content and,  
as appropriate, take legal action to challenge illegal 
distribution sources.

We seek as far as possible to have proprietary content. 
Where content is supplied to us by third parties, we seek 
to have contracts which provide mutual commercial 
benefit. We also maintain an active dialogue with 
regulatory authorities on privacy and other data related 
issues, and promote, with others, the responsible use  
of data.

We engage extensively with stakeholders in the STM 
community to better understand their needs and deliver 
value to them. While we adopt a number of publishing 
models and continue to experiment, through the 
principal paid subscription model we encourage the 
submission of research output by scientists without the 
penalty of publishing cost. We focus on the integrity and 
quality of research through the editorial and peer review 
process; we invest in efficient editorial and distribution 
platforms and in innovation in platforms and tools to 
make content and data more accessible and actionable; 
and we ensure vigilance on plagiarism and the long term 
preservation of research findings. 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

49

stRatEgIc RIsks

Risk

description and impact

mitigation

customer 
acceptance of 
products 

competition

acquisitions

Reed Elsevier’s businesses are dependent on the 
continued acceptance by our customers of our  
products and services and the value placed on them. 
Failure to meet evolving customer needs could impact 
demand for our products and consequently adversely 
affect our revenue.

We are focused on the needs and economics of our 
customers and seek to provide content and innovative 
solutions that help them achieve better outcomes and 
enhance productivity.

Our businesses operate in highly competitive  
markets. These markets continue to change in 
response to technological innovations, changing 
legislation, regulatory changes, the entrance of new 
competitors and other factors. Failure to anticipate 
market trends could impact the competitiveness of our 
products and services and consequently adversely 
affect our revenue.

To remain competitive we continuously invest  
significant resources in our products and services,  
and the infrastructure to support them. We gain  
insights into our markets, evolving customers’ needs 
and opportunities, the potential application of new 
technologies and business models, and the actions  
of competitors, and these insights inform our market 
strategies and operational priorities.

We acquire businesses to reshape and strengthen our 
portfolio. If we are unable to generate the anticipated 
benefits such as revenue growth, synergies and/or  
cost savings associated with these acquisitions this 
could adversely affect return on invested capital and 
financial condition.

Our acquisitions are made within the framework of our 
overall strategy. We have a well formulated process for 
reviewing and executing acquisitions and for managing 
the post acquisition integration. This process is 
underpinned with clear strategic, financial and ethical 
acquisition criteria. We closely monitor the 
performance of acquisitions.

opERatIonal RIsks

Risk

description and impact

mitigation

technology 
failure 

data security

supply chain 
dependencies

Our businesses are increasingly dependent on 
electronic platforms and networks, primarily the 
internet, for delivery of products and services. They 
could be adversely affected if our electronic delivery 
platforms and networks experience a significant failure, 
interruption, or security breach.

We have established procedures for the protection of 
our technology assets. These include the development 
of business continuity plans, including IT disaster 
recovery plans and back-up delivery systems, to  
reduce business disruption in the event of a major 
technology failure. 

Our businesses maintain databases and information 
online, including personal information. Breaches of  
our data security or failure to comply with applicable 
legislation or regulatory or contractual requirements 
could damage our reputation and expose us to risk of 
loss or litigation and increased regulation.

We have established data privacy and security 
programmes. We test and re-evaluate our procedures 
and controls with the aim of ensuring that personal  
data is protected and that we comply with relevant 
legislation, regulatory and contractual requirements.

Our organisational and operational structures have 
increased dependency on outsourced and offshored 
functions. Poor performance or failure of third parties 
to whom we have outsourced activities could adversely 
affect our business performance, reputation and 
financial condition.

We select our vendors with care and establish service 
level agreements that we closely monitor, including 
through key performance indicators and targeted 
supplier audits. We have also developed business 
continuity plans to reduce disruption in the event of  
a major failure by a vendor. 

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50

FInancIal REVIEW
PRINCIPAL RISKS

FInancIal RIsks

Risk

pensions 

tax

treasury

description and impact

mitigation

We have well established professional management  
of our pension schemes and we focus on maintaining 
appropriate asset allocation and plan designs. We 
review our funding requirements on a regular basis with 
the assistance of independent actuaries and ensure that 
the funding plans are sufficient to meet future liabilities. 

We have clear and consistent tax policies and tax 
matters are dealt with by a professional tax function, 
supported by external tax advisors. We maintain an 
open dialogue with the relevant tax authorities and are 
vigilant in ensuring that we comply with tax legislation. 

Reed Elsevier’s approach to funding and management 
of interest rate and foreign currency exposures is 
described on pages 46 and 47. The approach to the 
management of financial risks is described in note 18  
to the combined financial statements.

We operate a number of pension schemes around the 
world, the largest schemes being of the defined benefit 
type in the UK, the US and the Netherlands. The assets 
and obligations associated with defined benefit pension 
schemes are particularly sensitive to changes in the 
market values of assets and the market related 
assumptions used to value scheme liabilities. Adverse 
changes to inter alia asset values, discount rates or 
inflation could increase future pension costs and 
funding requirements.

Our businesses operate worldwide and our earnings are 
subject to taxation in many differing jurisdictions and at 
differing rates. We seek to organise our affairs in a tax 
efficient manner, taking account of the jurisdictions in 
which we operate. However, tax laws that apply to Reed 
Elsevier businesses may be amended by the relevant 
authorities or interpreted differently which could 
adversely affect our reported results.

The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements  
are expressed in pounds sterling and are subject to 
movements in exchange rates on the translation of the 
financial information of businesses whose operational 
currencies are other than sterling. The US is our most 
important market and, accordingly, significant 
fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rate could 
significantly affect our reported results.

Macro economic, political and market conditions may 
also adversely affect the availability of short and long 
term funding, volatility of interest rates, currency 
exchange rates and inflation.

REputatIonal RIsks

Risk

Ethics 

Environmental

description and impact

mitigation

As a world leading provider of professional information 
solutions to the Science, Medical, Risk, Legal and 
Business sectors we are expected to adhere to high 
standards of independence and ethical conduct.  
A breach of generally accepted ethical business 
standards could adversely affect our business 
performance, reputation and financial condition.

The Reed Elsevier Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 
is provided to every employee and is supported by 
training on specific topics. It encompasses such topics 
as fair competition, anti-bribery and human rights and  
it encourages open and principled behaviour. We also 
have well established processes for reporting and 
investigating unethical conduct. Our major suppliers 
are required to adopt our Supplier Code of Conduct. 

Reed Elsevier and its businesses have an impact on  
the environment, principally through the use of energy 
and water, waste generation and, in our supply chain, 
through our paper use and print and production 
technologies. Failure to manage our environmental 
impact could adversely affect our reputation.

We are committed to reducing these impacts by limiting 
resource use and by efficiently employing sustainable 
materials and technologies. We require our major 
suppliers and contractors to meet the same objectives. 
We seek to ensure that Reed Elsevier’s businesses are 
compliant with all relevant environmental regulation. 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

51

Governance

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In this section

52 Board Directors
54 Chairman’s introduction to  
corporate governance

55 Structure and corporate governance
62 Report of the Nominations Committee
63 Directors’ remuneration report
80 Report of the Audit Committees

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52

governance
board directors

Board Directors

Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors

erik engstrom (48)  
chief executive officer

anthony Habgood (65) 
chairman

■ ● ◆ 

Mark elliott (62)  
chairman of the remuneration committee

■ ● ◆ 

appointed: chief executive officer since 2009. 
Joined reed elsevier as chief executive officer 
of elsevier in 2004
Nationality: swedish
Past appointments: Prior to joining reed 
elsevier was a partner at General atlantic 
Partners. before that was President and chief 
operating officer of random House inc and, 
before its merger with random House, 
President and chief executive officer of bantam 
doubleday dell, North america. began his 
career as a consultant with McKinsey. served  
as a non-executive director of eniro ab and 
svenska cellulosa aktiebolaget sca. 
education: Holds a bsc from stockholm school 
of economics, an Msc from the royal institute of 
technology in stockholm, and gained an Mba 
from Harvard business school as a Fulbright 
scholar.

appointed: 2009
Nationality: british
other appointments: chairman of Whitbread plc 
and of Preqin Holding Limited. 
Past appointments: chairman of bunzl plc and 
of Mölnlycke Healthcare Limited and served as 
chief executive of bunzl plc, chief executive of 
tootal Group plc and a director of the boston 
consulting Group inc. Formerly non-executive 
director of Geest plc; Marks and spencer plc; 
National Westminster bank plc; Powergen plc; 
and sVG capital plc. 
education: Holds an Ma in economics from 
cambridge University and an Ms in industrial 
administration from carnegie Mellon 
University. He is a visiting Fellow at  
oxford University.

appointed: 2003 
Nationality: american
other appointments: chairman of QinetiQ Group 
plc and a non-executive director of G4s plc. 
Past appointments: Until his retirement in 2008, 
was general manager of ibM Global solutions, 
having held a number of positions with ibM, 
including managing director of ibM europe, 
Middle east and africa.

Mark armour (57)  
chief Financial officer

robert Polet (56)  
Non-executive director

■ ◆ 

sir david reid (65)  
senior independent director

▲ ■ ● ◆ 

appointed: 1996
Nationality: british
other appointments: Non-executive director  
of sabMiller plc.
Past appointments: Prior to joining reed 
elsevier as deputy chief Financial officer in 
1995, was a partner in Price Waterhouse. 
education: Holds an Ma in engineering from 
cambridge University and qualified as a 
chartered accountant.

appointed: 2007
Nationality: dutch
other appointments: chairman of safilo Group 
s.p.a. and a non-executive director of: Philip 
Morris international inc; Wilderness Holdings 
Limited; and William Grant & sons Limited. 
Member of the supervisory board of Nyenrode 
Foundation.
Past appointments: President and chief 
executive officer of Gucci Group from 2004  
to 2011, having previously spent 26 years at 
Unilever working in a variety of marketing and 
senior executive positions throughout the world, 
including president of Unilever’s Worldwide ice 
cream and Frozen Foods division.

appointed: 2003 
Nationality: british 
other appointments: chairman of  
intertek Group plc. 
Past appointments: Was chairman of tesco PLc 
from 2004 to 2011, having previously been 
executive deputy chairman until december 
2003, and Finance director from 1985 to 1997. 
Formerly chairman of Kwik-Fit and a 
non-executive director of de Vere PLc,  
Legal & General Group plc and Westbury PLc.

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

53

Adrian Hennah (54)  
Non-executive Director

▲◆ 

Lisa Hook (53)  
Non-executive Director

▲ ● ◆ 

Appointed: April 2011
Nationality: British
Other appointments: Chief Financial Officer  
of Smith & Nephew plc. 
Past appointments: Chief Financial Officer of 
invensys plc, having previously held various 
senior finance and management positions with 
GlaxoSmithKline for 18 years.

Appointed: 2006
Nationality: American
Other appointments: President and Chief 
executive Officer of Neustar inc and a director  
of the Ocean Foundation. 
Past appointments: President and Chief 
executive Officer at Sun Rocket inc. Before that 
she was President of AOL Broadband, Premium 
and Developer Services. Prior to joining AOL, 
she was a founding partner at Brera Capital 
Partners LLC. Previously Chief Operating 
Officer of time Warner telecommunications  
and has served as senior advisor to the Federal 
Communications Commission Chairman and  
a senior counsel to Viacom Cable.

Marike van Lier Lels (52) 
Member of the Supervisory Board  
of Reed elsevier NV

◆ 

Appointed: 2010
Nationality: Dutch
Other appointments: Member of the supervisory 
boards of KPN NV, USG People NV, tKH Group 
NV and Maersk BV. A member of various Dutch 
governmental advisory boards. 
Past appointments: executive Vice President 
and Chief Operating Officer of the Schiphol 
Group. Prior to joining Schiphol Group, was a 
member of the executive board of Deutsche  
Post euro express and held various senior 
positions with Nedlloyd.

Ben van der Veer (60)  
Chairman of the Audit Committees

▲ ● ◆ 

Appointed: 2009
Nationality: Dutch
Other appointments: Member of the  
supervisory boards of AeGON NV, tomtom NV, 
Siemens Nederland NV and Koninklijke 
FrieslandCampina NV. 
Past appointments: Chairman of the executive 
board of KPMG in the Netherlands and a 
member of the management committee of the 
KPMG international board until his retirement  
in 2008, having joined KPMG in 1976.

Board committee Membership
▲ 

 Audit Committees: Reed elsevier Group plc, Reed 
elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV

■  Remuneration Committee: Reed elsevier Group plc
● 
 Nominations Committee: joint Reed elsevier PLC 
and Reed elsevier NV
 Corporate Governance Committee: joint Reed 
elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV

◆ 

Both of the executive directors are directors of Reed 
elsevier Group plc and Reed elsevier PLC and 
members of the executive Board of Reed elsevier NV.

Mrs van Lier Lels is a member of the Supervisory Board 
of Reed elsevier NV. All of the other non-executive 
directors are directors of Reed elsevier Group plc and 
Reed elsevier PLC and members of the Supervisory 
Board of Reed elsevier NV.

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54

governance
Chairman’s introduCtion to Corporate governanCe

Chairman’s introduction to corporate governance

Reed Elsevier is committed to 
applying the highest standards  
of corporate governance in 
whichever jurisdiction it 
operates.

the Board of reed elsevier group plc, reed elsevier pLC and the 
Combined Board of reed elsevier nv (the Boards) are responsible  
for the governance of reed elsevier and have put in place 
procedures which provide accountability, transparency, probity 
and a focus on the sustainable success of reed elsevier over the 
longer term. 

i believe that the Boards and their committees have a good 
combination of skills and experience and we continue to review 
the balance of the Boards in our succession planning to ensure 
there is an appropriate balance of skills, experience, 
independence, knowledge and diversity on the Board.

the reports of the committees on the following pages in this 
section explain the systems in place to ensure compliance with 
applicable corporate governance policies in the areas of board 
composition (including diversity) and assessment of board 
effectiveness, remuneration policy, systems of internal control 
and risk management and relations with shareholders.

the main areas of focus concerning corporate governance during 
2011 were:

 ƒ the Boards considered the changes introduced by the uK 

Corporate governance Code published in may 2010, and i am 
pleased to report that reed elsevier fully complied with the 
new Code during the year.

 ƒ the Boards considered their policy on board diversity, 
including female representation on the Boards, and in 
september 2011 announced their aspirational goals regarding 
the percentage of women they aim to have on the Boards.

 ƒ the nominations Committee has continued to plan for the 

orderly succession of non-executive directors to the Boards, 
ensuring that there is progressive refreshing of the Boards 
whilst maintaining the right balance of skills, experience, 
independence and knowledge.

 ƒ Following the announcement that mark armour, Chief 

Financial officer, would be retiring at the end of 2012, the 
Boards have put in place a process for the recruitment of  
a successor.

 ƒ an external independent evaluation of the performance of the 
Boards, their committees and directors was undertaken.

 ƒ a talent review of key executive positions was conducted  

during 2011.

 ƒ the audit Committees conducted a formal review during  
2011 of the performance of the external auditors and the 
effectiveness of the external audit process and reviewed  
the resources, budget and effectiveness of the internal  
audit function. 

 ƒ the audit Committees received presentations from divisional 
CFos within reed elsevier on the finance organisation, finance 
priorities and risk management of their respective divisions, 
updates from the reed elsevier group plc group treasurer on 
pension arrangements and funding, compliance with treasury 
policies and risk management and a presentation from the 
head of group taxation on tax policies and related matters. 

the following reports describe in more detail how reed elsevier 
has applied the principles of good governance in the activities  
of the Boards.

anthony Habgood
Chairman
15 February 2012

the following chart outlines areas of significant skills and expertise of the non-executive directors on the Boards.

executive board experience in a large international listed company
Knowledge of corporate governance issues for listed companies
operational experience in reed elsevier’s product markets
operational experience in reed elsevier’s main geographical markets
marketing, customer relations
operational experience with telecommunication/computer technology, electronic publishing
management of human resources, selection and remuneration of executives
Corporate social responsibility
Legal matters
Banking, tax and corporate finance
Financial and organisational audit
Corporate strategy and organisation

percentage of the 
non-executive  
directors

56
89
33
89
78
56
89
89
78
44
67
89

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

55

Structure and corporate governance

Corporate structure 

REED ELSEVIER PLC

REED ELSEVIER NV

REED ELSEVIER GROUP PLC
Publishing and Information Businesses

Elsevier

LexisNexis
Risk 
Solutions

LexisNexis
Legal &
Professional

Reed
Exhibitions

Reed 
Business
Information

the Boards of both Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have 
agreed, other than in special circumstances, to recommend 
equivalent gross dividends (including, with respect to the dividend 
on Reed elsevier PLC ordinary shares, the associated UK tax 
credit) based on the equalisation ratio. A Reed elsevier PLC 
ordinary share pays dividends in sterling and is subject to UK tax 
law with respect to dividend and capital rights. A Reed elsevier NV 
ordinary share pays dividends in euros and is subject to Dutch tax 
law with respect to dividend and capital rights. the exchange  
rate used for each dividend calculation is the spot euro/sterling 
exchange rate, averaged over a period of five consecutive business 
days commencing on the tenth business day before the 
announcement of the proposed dividend.

ELSEVIER REED FINANCE BV
Financing Activities

Corporate governance 

Reed elsevier was created in January 1993, when Reed elsevier 
PLC and Reed elsevier NV contributed their respective 
businesses to two jointly owned companies, Reed elsevier Group 
plc, a UK registered company which owns the publishing and 
information businesses, and elsevier Reed Finance BV, a Dutch 
registered company which owns the financing activities. Reed 
elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have retained their separate 
legal and national identities and are publicly held companies. 
Reed elsevier PLC’s securities are listed in London and New York, 
and Reed elsevier NV’s securities are listed in Amsterdam and 
New York. Following the merger of their respective businesses, 
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV entered into a Governing 
Agreement to regulate their relationship, including the economic 
interests of the parties and the composition of their Boards and 
those of Reed elsevier Group plc and of elsevier Reed Finance BV. 

Equalisation arrangements
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV each hold a 50% interest 
in Reed elsevier Group plc. Reed elsevier PLC holds a 39% 
interest in elsevier Reed Finance BV, with Reed elsevier NV 
holding a 61% interest. Reed elsevier PLC additionally holds a 
5.8% indirect equity interest in Reed elsevier NV, reflecting the 
arrangements entered into between the two companies at the 
time of the merger, which determined the equalisation ratio 
whereby one Reed elsevier NV ordinary share is, in broad terms, 
intended to confer equivalent economic interests to 1.538 Reed 
elsevier PLC ordinary shares. the equalisation ratio is subject to 
change to reflect share splits and similar events that affect the 
number of outstanding ordinary shares of either Reed elsevier 
PLC or Reed elsevier NV.

Under the equalisation arrangements, Reed elsevier PLC 
shareholders have a 52.9% economic interest in the Reed elsevier 
combined businesses, and Reed elsevier NV shareholders (other 
than Reed elsevier PLC) have a 47.1% economic interest in the 
Reed elsevier combined businesses. Holders of ordinary shares 
in Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV enjoy substantially 
equivalent dividend and capital rights with respect to their 
ordinary shares.

compliance with codes of best practice
the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have 
implemented standards of corporate governance and disclosure 
policies applicable to companies listed on the stock exchanges of 
the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States. the 
effect of this is that a standard applying to one will, where not in 
conflict, also be observed by the other.

the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV (which 
comprises an executive Board and a Supervisory Board, together 
the Combined Board) support the principles and provisions of 
corporate governance contained in the UK Corporate Governance 
Code issued by the Financial Reporting Council in May 2010 (the 
UK Code) and those contained in the Dutch Corporate Governance 
Code issued in December 2008 (the Dutch Code). the principles 
and provisions set out in the UK Code and the Dutch Code have 
applied throughout the financial year ended 31 December 2011. 
Reed elsevier PLC, which has its primary listing on the London 
Stock exchange, has complied throughout the year with the UK 
Code. Reed elsevier NV, which has its primary listing on the 
euronext Amsterdam Stock exchange, has complied throughout 
the year with the UK Code, and subject to limited exceptions as 
explained in the Reed elsevier NV Report of the Supervisory Board 
and the executive Board on pages 162 to 165, has applied the best 
practice provisions of the Dutch Code. the ways in which Reed 
elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have applied the main 
principles of the UK Code are described below. For further 
information on the application of the Dutch Code by Reed elsevier 
NV, see the Corporate Governance Statement of Reed elsevier NV 
published on the Reed elsevier website, www.reedelsevier.com.

Business model
As required by C.1.2 of the UK Code, pages 4 to 28 describe the 
business and the progress made in 2011 against Reed elsevier’s 
long term business priorities, aimed to deliver better outcomes 
for our customers and create value for Reed elsevier and 
shareholders.

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56

govERnancE
StRUCtURe AND CORPORAte GOVeRNANCe

Relations with shareholders
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV participate in regular 
dialogue with institutional shareholders. Presentations are made 
by the Chairman, Chief executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer following the announcement of the interim and full year 
results and these are simultaneously webcast. A conference call 
with investors was also held following the third quarter interim 
Management Statement. two investor seminars on specific areas 
of the business were held in 2011 which were also webcast and 
currently for 2012 two investor seminars are planned and these 
will also be webcast. the Chief executive Officer, the Chief 
Financial Officer and the investor relations team meet institutional 
shareholders on a regular basis and the Chairman also makes 
himself available to major institutions as appropriate. A trading 
update is provided ahead of the Annual General Meetings of the 
two companies and towards the end of the financial year through 
interim Management Statements. the interim and annual results 
announcements and presentations, together with the interim 
Management Statements, investor seminar presentations and 
other important announcements and corporate governance 
documents concerning Reed elsevier, are published on the Reed 
elsevier website, www.reedelsevier.com. in accordance with the 
provisions of the Dutch Code, Reed elsevier NV has adopted a 
bilateral shareholder contact policy, which is also published on 
the Reed elsevier website. the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and 
Reed elsevier NV commission periodic reports on the attitudes 
and views of the companies’ institutional shareholders and the 
results are presented to the respective Boards.

Both Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV offer e-voting 
facilities in relation to proxy voting at shareholder meetings.  
the Annual General Meetings provide an opportunity for the 
Boards to communicate with individual shareholders. the 
Chairman, the Chief executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, 
the chairmen of the Board Committees, other directors and a 
representative of the external auditors are available to answer 
questions from shareholders.

Board induction and information
On appointment and as required, directors receive training 
appropriate to their level of previous experience. this includes the 
provision of a tailored induction programme so as to provide newly 
appointed directors with information about the Reed elsevier 
businesses and other relevant information to assist them in 
performing their duties. Non-executive directors are encouraged 
to visit the Reed elsevier businesses to meet management and 
senior staff.

All directors have full and timely access to the information 
required to discharge their responsibilities fully and efficiently. 
they have access to the services of the respective company 
secretaries, other members of Reed elsevier’s management and 
staff, and external advisors. Directors may take independent 
professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, at the 
relevant company’s expense.

in addition to scheduled board and board committee meetings held 
during the year, directors attend many other meetings and site visits. 
Where a director is unable to attend a board or board committee 
meeting he or she is provided with all relevant papers and information 
relating to that meeting and is able to discuss issues arising with 
the respective chairman and other board members.

Board evaluation
in 2011 the Corporate Governance Committee appointed an 
external evaluator (Consilium Board Review), who had no other 
connection with Reed elsevier, to carry out an independent 
evaluation of the Boards’ effectiveness. the external evaluator 
used questionnaires completed by all directors, had meetings 
with each of the directors and attended a meeting of the Boards. 
the Chairman also held interviews with each member of the 
Boards to individually discuss board effectiveness and the review 
of the Chairman was led by the senior independent director. the 
operation and constitution of the Boards and their Committees 
were also evaluated and the findings reported to the Boards. 

the Committee and the Boards have fully reviewed and discussed 
the findings of the independent evaluation of the performance of 
the Boards and their Committees and the individual directors. the 
senior independent director also led the Committee’s review of the 
assessment as it related to the Chairman during which he 
absented himself from the meeting. Based on the assessments of 
each director and on the board effectiveness review, the 
Committee believes that the performance of each director 
continues to be effective and that they demonstrate commitment 
to their respective roles in Reed elsevier. 

the Committee also believes, based on the review, that the Boards 
function effectively and collaboratively and with an appropriate 
level of engagement with management. in seeking to further its 
effectiveness, the Boards will work to ensure they achieve an 
appropriate balance of focus among financial, operational and 
strategic matters at each board meeting, in line with the 
recommendations of the review.

The Boards

the Board of Reed elsevier PLC, the Combined Board of Reed 
elsevier NV and the Board of Reed elsevier Group plc are 
harmonised. All of the directors of Reed elsevier Group plc are 
also directors of Reed elsevier PLC and are a member of either  
the executive Board or the Supervisory Board of Reed elsevier NV. 
Reed elsevier NV may nominate for appointment to the 
Supervisory Board up to two directors who are not appointed  
to the Boards of either Reed elsevier PLC or Reed elsevier  
Group plc. Currently, one such director has been appointed  
to the Supervisory Board. the names, nationality and  
biographical details of each director at the date of this report 
appear on pages 52 and 53.

there is a schedule of matters reserved to the Boards and 
approved delegated authorities to the Chief executive Officer  
and other senior executives. there is a clear separation of the 
roles of the Chairman and the Chief executive Officer which  
is set out in writing.

the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV, Reed elsevier 
Group plc and elsevier Reed Finance BV each comprise a balance 
of executive and non-executive directors who bring a wide range  
of skills and experience to the deliberations of the Boards. the 
Boards review the independence of the non-executive directors 
every year, based on the criteria for independence set out in the  
UK Code. the UK Code does not consider the Chairman to be 
independent due to the unique role the Chairman has in corporate 
governance. Notwithstanding this, Anthony Habgood met the 
independence criteria contained in the UK Code when he was 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

57

appointed Chairman in 2009. the Boards consider all non-
executive directors (other than the Chairman) to be independent  
of management and free from any business or other relationship 
which could materially interfere with their ability to exercise 
independent judgement.

Notwithstanding that Mark elliott and Sir David Reid will at the 
time of the forthcoming Annual General Meeting have served on 
the Boards for nine years, they will both stand for re-appointment 
to allow for an orderly transition to newly appointed directors. the 
Boards have determined that they remain independent in character 
and judgement despite having served on the Boards for more than 
nine years and there are also no relationships or circumstances 
which are likely to affect their independent judgement.

the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and of Reed elsevier NV have 
appointed Sir David Reid to act as senior independent director,  
who is available to meet with institutional shareholders and assist 
in resolving concerns in cases where alternative channels are 
deemed inappropriate. the senior independent director also leads 
the annual assessment of the functioning and performance of  
the Chairman of Reed elsevier PLC/Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of Reed elsevier NV. A profile, which identifies the skills and 
experience of the non-executive directors of Reed elsevier PLC 
and the members of the Supervisory Board of Reed elsevier NV,  
is available on the Reed elsevier website, www.reedelsevier.com.

Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV shareholders maintain 
their rights to appoint individuals to the respective Boards in 
accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Association of 
these companies. Subject to this, no individual may be appointed  
to the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV (either of  
the executive Board or the Supervisory Board) or Reed elsevier 
Group plc unless recommended by the joint Nominations 
Committee. Members of the Committee abstain when their  
own re-appointment is being considered.

As a general rule, letters of appointment in respect of 
non-executive directors of Reed elsevier PLC and members of the 

Supervisory Board of Reed elsevier NV provide that individuals 
will serve for an initial term of three years, and are typically 
expected to serve two three-year terms, although the Boards may 
invite an individual to serve for an additional period of three years.

the respective Articles of Association of Reed elsevier PLC and 
Reed elsevier NV provide that all directors should be subject to 
retirement at least every three years and are then able to make 
themselves available for re-election by shareholders at 
subsequent Annual General Meetings. Notwithstanding the 
provisions of the said Articles of Association, the Boards comply 
with the recommendations contained in the UK Code, and all 
directors seek re-election by shareholders annually.

Board changes
Changes during the year in the composition of the Boards of Reed 
elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV and Reed elsevier Group plc are 
noted in the board attendance table below.

Following a recommendation from the Nominations Committee, 
Adrian Hennah was appointed a non-executive director of Reed 
elsevier PLC and a member of the Reed elsevier NV Supervisory 
Board at the respective Annual General Meetings in April 2011, 
and was also appointed a non-executive director of Reed elsevier 
Group plc. Lord Sharman retired from the Boards at the 
conclusion of the Reed elsevier NV and Reed elsevier PLC  
Annual General Meetings in April 2011. in accordance with the 
recommendation in the UK Code, all directors will retire from the 
Boards at the respective Annual General Meetings and, being 
eligible, they will offer themselves for re-election. taking into 
account the assessment by the Corporate Governance Committee 
of the qualifications, performance and effectiveness of each 
individual director seeking re-election, the Boards have accepted 
a recommendation from the Nominations Committee that each 
director be proposed for re-election at the Annual General 
Meeting of the respective company.

BoaRd attEndancE

Reed elsevier PLC

Reed elsevier NV

Reed elsevier Group plc

Members

Mark Armour
Mark elliott
erik engstrom
Anthony Habgood
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels
Robert Polet
Sir David Reid
Lord Sharman
Ben van der Veer

Date of 
appointment 
(cessation)
during the year

Number of
meetings
held whilst
a director

Number of
meetings
attended

Number of 
meetings
held whilst
a director

Number of
meetings 
attended

Number of
meetings
held whilst
a director

Number of 
meetings 
attended

6
6
6
6
4
6
n/a
6
6
2
6

6
6
6
6
4
6
n/a
6
5
1
6

6
6
6
6
4
6
6
6
6
2
6

6
6
6
6
4
6
6
6
5
1
6

7
7
7
7
5
7
n/a
7
7
2
7

7
7
7
7
5
6
n/a
7
6
1
7

April 2011

(April 2011)

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58

govERnancE
StRUCtURe AND CORPORAte GOVeRNANCe

Elsevier Reed Finance Bv has a two-tier board structure comprising a Supervisory Board and a Management Board. the Supervisory 
Board consists of Rudolf van den Brink (Chairman), Mark Armour, Ben van der Veer and Marike van Lier Lels, with the Management 
Board consisting of Jacques Billy, Gerben de Jong and Jans van der Woude. Appointments to the Supervisory Board and the 
Management Board are made by elsevier Reed Finance BV’s shareholders, in accordance with the company’s Articles of Association.

ELSEvIER REEd FInancE Bv 

Members

Mark Armour
Jacques Billy
Rudolf van den Brink
Gerben de Jong
Marike van Lier Lels
Ben van der Veer
Jans van der Woude

Board committees 

Number of
 meetings 
held whilst 
a director

Number of
 meetings 
attended

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

3
2
3
3
3
3
3

in accordance with the principles of good corporate governance, the following committees have been established by the respective 
Boards. All of the committees have written terms of reference, which are published on the Reed elsevier website,  
www.reedelsevier.com. Membership of each committee during the year is set out below.

audit committees: Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV and Reed elsevier Group plc have established Audit Committees. the 
Committees comprise only non-executive directors. the Committees are chaired by Ben van der Veer. A report of the Audit Committees, 
setting out their role and main activities during the year, appears on pages 80 to 82.

audIt coMMIttEES

Members

Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Sir David Reid
Lord Sharman
Ben van der Veer

Date of 
appointment 
(cessation)
during the year

April 2011

(April 2011)

Number of
 meetings 
held whilst a 
Committee 
member

Number of
 meetings 
attended

3
5
5
2
5

2
4
3
2
5

the functions of an audit committee in respect of the financing activities are carried out by the Supervisory Board of elsevier Reed 
Finance BV.

Remuneration committee: Reed elsevier Group plc has established a Remuneration Committee, which is responsible for considering 
the remuneration for the executive directors and the Chairman. the Committee comprises only non-executive directors, and is chaired 
by Mark elliott. A Directors’ Remuneration Report, which has been approved by the Boards of Reed elsevier Group plc, Reed elsevier 
PLC and Reed elsevier NV, appears on pages 63 to 79. this report also serves as disclosure of the directors’ remuneration policy, and the 
remuneration and interests of the directors in the shares of the two parent companies, Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV.

REMunERatIon coMMIttEE

Members

Mark elliott
Anthony Habgood
Robert Polet
Sir David Reid

Number of
 meetings 
held whilst a 
Committee 
member

Number of
 meetings 
attended

5
5
5
5

5
5
5
3

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

59

nominations committee: Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have established a joint Nominations Committee. the Committee 
comprises only non-executive directors, and is chaired by Anthony Habgood. A report of the Nominations Committee, setting out its role 
and main activities during the year, appears on page 62.

noMInatIonS coMMIttEE

Members

Mark elliott
Anthony Habgood
Lisa Hook
Sir David Reid
Lord Sharman
Ben van der Veer

Date of 
appointment 
(cessation)
during the year

Number of
 meetings 
held whilst a 
Committee 
member

Number of
 meetings 
attended

April 2011

(April 2011)
January 2011

5
5
4
5
2
5

5
5
3
3
1
5

corporate governance committee: Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have established a joint Corporate Governance 
Committee, which is responsible for reviewing ongoing developments and best practice in corporate governance. the Committee is also 
responsible for assessing the performance of the directors and recommending the structure and operation of the various committees  
of the Boards and the qualifications and criteria for membership of each committee, including the independence of members of the 
Boards. the Committee comprises only non-executive directors, and is chaired by Anthony Habgood.

coRPoRatE govERnancE coMMIttEE

Members

Mark elliott
Anthony Habgood
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels
Robert Polet
Sir David Reid
Lord Sharman
Ben van der Veer

Internal control 

Parent companies
the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV exercise 
independent supervisory roles over the activities and systems of 
internal control of Reed elsevier Group plc and elsevier Reed 
Finance BV. the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV 
have each adopted a schedule of matters which are required to be 
brought to them for decision. in relation to Reed elsevier Group plc 
and elsevier Reed Finance BV, the Boards of Reed elsevier PLC and 
Reed elsevier NV approve the strategy and the annual budgets, and 
receive regular reports on the operations, including the treasury 
and risk management activities of the two companies. Major 
transactions proposed by the Boards of Reed elsevier Group plc or 
elsevier Reed Finance BV require the approval of the Boards of both 
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV.

the Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV Audit Committees 
meet on a regular basis to review the systems of internal control 
and risk management of Reed elsevier Group plc and elsevier 
Reed Finance BV.

Date of 
appointment 
(cessation)
during the year

Number of
 meetings 
held whilst a 
Committee 
member

Number of
 meetings 
attended

April 2011

(April 2011)

4
4
3
4
4
4
4
1
4

4
4
3
4
4
4
4
1
4

operating companies
the Board of Reed elsevier Group plc is responsible for the system 
of internal control of the Reed elsevier publishing and information 
businesses, while the Boards of elsevier Reed Finance BV are 
responsible for the system of internal control in respect of the 
finance group activities. the Boards of Reed elsevier Group plc 
and elsevier Reed Finance BV are also responsible for reviewing 
the effectiveness of their systems of internal control.

the Boards of Reed elsevier Group plc and elsevier Reed Finance 
BV have each implemented an ongoing process for identifying, 
evaluating, monitoring and managing the more significant risks 
faced by their respective businesses. these processes have been 
in place throughout the year ended 31 December 2011 and up to 
the date of the approvals of the Annual Reports and Financial 
Statements 2011.

Reed Elsevier group plc
Reed elsevier Group plc has an established framework of 
procedures and internal controls, with which the management  
of each business is required to comply. Group businesses are 
required to maintain systems of internal control which are 
appropriate to the nature and scale of their activities and address 
all significant operational and financial risks that they face. the 
Board of Reed elsevier Group plc has adopted a schedule of 
matters that are required to be brought to it for decision.

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60

govERnancE
StRUCtURe AND CORPORAte GOVeRNANCe

Reed elsevier Group plc has a Code of ethics and Business 
Conduct that provides a guide for achieving its business goals and 
requires officers and employees to behave in an open, honest, 
ethical and principled manner. the Code also outlines confidential 
procedures enabling employees to report any concerns about 
compliance, or about Reed elsevier’s financial reporting  
practice. the Code is published on the Reed elsevier website, 
www.reedelsevier.com.

each division has identified and evaluated its major risks, the 
controls in place to manage those risks and the levels of residual 
risk accepted. Risk management and control procedures are 
embedded into the operations of the business and include the 
monitoring of progress in areas for improvement that come to 
management and board attention. the major risks identified 
include business continuity, protection of it systems and data, 
challenges to intellectual property rights, management of strategic 
and operational change, evaluation and integration of acquisitions, 
and recruitment and retention of personnel. Further detail on the 
principal risks facing Reed elsevier is set out on pages 48 to 50.

the major strategic risks facing the Reed elsevier Group plc 
businesses are considered by the Board. Reed elsevier’s Chief 
Risk Officer is responsible for providing regular reports to the 
Board and Audit Committee. Working closely with business 
management and with the central functions, the role of the Chief 
Risk Officer is to ensure that Reed elsevier is managing its 
business risks effectively and in a coordinated manner across  
the business with clarity on the respective responsibilities and 
interdependencies. Litigation and other legal regulatory matters 
are managed by legal directors in europe and the United States.

the Reed elsevier Group plc Audit Committee receives regular 
reports on the identification and management of material risks 
and reviews these reports. the Audit Committee also receives 
regular reports from both internal and external auditors on 
internal control and risk management matters. in addition, each 
division is required, at the end of the financial year, to review the 
effectiveness of internal controls and risk management and 
report its findings on a detailed basis to the management of Reed 
elsevier Group plc. these reports are summarised and, as part  
of the annual review of effectiveness, submitted to the Audit 
Committee of Reed elsevier Group plc. the Chairman of the  
Audit Committee reports to the Board on any significant internal 
control matters arising.

Elsevier Reed Finance Bv
elsevier Reed Finance BV has established policy guidelines,  
which are applied to all elsevier Reed Finance BV companies.  
the respective Boards of elsevier Reed Finance BV have adopted 
schedules of matters that are required to be brought to them for 
decision. Procedures are in place for monitoring the activities of 
the finance group, including a comprehensive treasury reporting 
system. the major risks affecting the finance group have been 
identified and evaluated and are subject to regular review. the 
controls in place to manage these risks and the level of residual 
risk accepted are monitored by the Boards.

annual review
As part of the year end procedures, the Audit Committees and 
Boards of Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV, Reed elsevier 
Group plc and elsevier Reed Finance BV review the effectiveness 
of the systems of internal control and risk management during the 
last financial year. the objective of these systems is to manage, 
rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business 
objectives. Accordingly, they can only provide reasonable, but not 
absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. the 
Boards have confirmed, subject to the above, that as regards 
financial reporting risks, the respective risk management and 
control systems provide reasonable assurance against material 
inaccuracies or loss and have functioned properly during the year.

Responsibilities in respect of the  
financial statements 

the directors of Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV, Reed elsevier 
Group plc and elsevier Reed Finance BV are required to prepare 
financial statements as at the end of each financial period, in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations, which give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs, and of the profit or loss, of the 
respective companies and their subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates. they are responsible for maintaining proper accounting 
records, for safeguarding assets, and for taking reasonable steps to 
prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. the directors are 
also responsible for selecting suitable accounting policies and 
applying them on a consistent basis, making judgements and 
estimates that are prudent and reasonable.

Applicable accounting standards have been followed and the  
Reed elsevier combined financial statements, which are the 
responsibility of the directors of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed 
elsevier NV, are prepared using accounting policies which comply 
with international Financial Reporting Standards.

Going concern 

the directors of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV, having 
made appropriate enquiries, consider that adequate resources 
exist for the combined businesses to continue in operational 
existence for the foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 2011 
financial statements. in reaching this conclusion, the directors of 
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV have had due regard to 
the combined businesses’ financial position as at 31 December 
2011, the strong free cash flow of the combined businesses, Reed 
elsevier’s ability to access capital markets and the principal risks 
facing Reed elsevier.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

61

A commentary on the Reed elsevier combined businesses’  
cash flows, financial position and liquidity for the year ended 
31 December 2011 is set out in the Chief Financial Officer’s Report 
on pages 42 to 44. this shows that after taking account of available 
cash resources and committed bank facilities that back up short 
term borrowings, none of Reed elsevier’s borrowings fall due 
within the next two years. Reed elsevier’s policies on liquidity, 
capital management and management of risks relating to interest 
rate, foreign exchange and credit exposures are set out on pages 
46 and 47. Further information on liquidity of the combined 
businesses can be found in note 18 of the combined financial 
statements. the principal risks facing Reed elsevier are set out  
on pages 48 to 50.

US certificates 

As required by Section 302 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 and 
by related rules issued by the US Securities and exchange 
Commission, the Chief executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 
of Reed elsevier PLC and of Reed elsevier NV certify in the 
respective Annual Reports 2011 on Form 20-F to be filed with the 
Commission that they are responsible for establishing and 
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures and that they have:

 ƒ designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure 
that material information relating to Reed elsevier is made 
known to them;

 ƒ evaluated the effectiveness of Reed elsevier’s disclosure 

controls and procedures;

 ƒ based on their evaluation, disclosed to the Audit Committees 
and the external auditors all significant deficiencies in the 
design or operation of disclosure controls and procedures and 
any frauds, whether or not material, that involve management 
or other employees who have a significant role in Reed 
elsevier’s internal controls; and

 ƒ presented in the Reed elsevier Annual Report 2011 on Form 

20-F their conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure 
controls and procedures.

A Disclosure Committee, comprising the company secretaries of 
Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV and other senior Reed 
elsevier managers, provides assurance to the Chief executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer regarding their Section 302 
certifications.

Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 requires the Chief 
executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Reed elsevier PLC 
and of Reed elsevier NV to certify in the respective Annual Reports 
2011 on Form 20-F that they are responsible for maintaining 
adequate internal control structures and procedures for financial 
reporting and to conduct an assessment of their effectiveness. 
the conclusions of the assessment of internal control structures 
and financial reporting procedures, which are unqualified, are 
presented in the Reed elsevier Annual Report 2011 on Form 20-F.

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62

govERnancE
RePORt OF tHe NOMiNAtiONS COMMittee

Report of the Nominations Committee

composition of the Boards

During the year the main focus of the Committee has been 
succession planning in relation to the appointment of non-
executive directors to refresh the Boards arising from the 
impending retirement of long serving non-executive directors. 
Also, following the announcement in October 2011 that Mark 
Armour, the Chief Financial Officer, had decided to retire at the  
end of 2012, the Committee has begun the process to identify  
his successor.

there is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure 
for the recruitment of candidates to the Boards, and such 
recommendations are made solely on the basis of a candidate’s 
merit, against objective criteria. in this recruitment process, 
the Committee seeks to ensure that the Boards and where 
appropriate, their committees, comprise an appropriate balance 
of skills, experience, independence and knowledge of Reed 
elsevier’s businesses.

in recommending appointments to the Boards, the Committee 
considers the knowledge, experience and background of individual 
directors and has regard to the benefits of diversity, including 
gender. the Committee has reviewed the recommendations of the 
Davies Review “Women on boards” issued in February 2011, which 
sets an aspirational target of 25% female representation on FtSe 
100 boards by 2015. By 2013 we anticipate the Reed elsevier NV 
Combined Board will be comprised of 30% women and the Reed 
elsevier PLC Board will be comprised of 22% women. in addition, 
a diversity and inclusion strategy was adopted in 2010 with support 
of senior leadership throughout Reed elsevier, with each business 
unit asked to incorporate diversity and inclusion into its strategic 
plans. Further details are provided in the Corporate Responsibility 
report on pages 29 to 38.

this report has been prepared by the joint Nominations 
Committee of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV and has 
been approved by the respective Boards. 

Role of the committee
the principal role of the Committee is to provide assistance to the 
Boards of Reed elsevier PLC, Reed elsevier NV and Reed elsevier 
Group plc by identifying individuals qualified to become directors 
and recommending to the Boards the appointment of such 
individuals.

the main responsibilities of the Committee are set out in  
written terms of reference (available at www.reedelsevier.com) 
and include:

(i) 

(ii) 

to develop and agree the desired profile for potential 
candidates for board membership;

in consultation with external search consultants, agree the 
specification for the recruitment of new directors which 
provides a formal and transparent procedure for the 
selection and appointment of new directors to the Boards;

(iii)  to recommend to the Boards the appointment of candidates 
subject, where appropriate, to the approval of shareholders 
of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV;

(iv)  to recommend to the Boards directors to serve on Board 

Committees, having regard to the criteria for service on each 
committee as set out in the terms of reference for such 
committees, and to recommend members to serve as the  
Chair of those committees;

(v) 

in consultation with the Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and appropriate external consultants, to develop 
proposals for the remuneration or fees for new directors;

(vi)  to make recommendations to the Boards in relation to the 

possible re-appointment of directors at the Annual General 
Meetings of Reed elsevier PLC and Reed elsevier NV.

committee membership

the Committee comprises only non-executive directors, and is 
chaired by Anthony Habgood. the other members are Mark elliott, 
Lisa Hook (appointed to the Committee in April 2011), Sir David 
Reid and Ben van der Veer. Lord Sharman ceased to be a member 
of the Committee upon his retirement from the Boards in April 
2011. the Committee met five times during the year.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

63

Directors’ remuneration report

Remuneration Committee
64 Constitution and terms of reference

Executive directors
64 Remuneration philosophy and policy
66 The total remuneration package
73 Service contracts

Non-executive directors
74  Policy on non-executive directors’ fees

Total Shareholder Return graphs
75 Total Shareholder Return graphs

Remuneration and share tables
75 Directors’ emoluments and fees
76 Directors’ shareholdings in Reed Elsevier
77 Share-based awards in Reed Elsevier

The Directors’ Remuneration Report (the Report) describes 
how Reed Elsevier applies the principles of good governance 
relating to directors’ remuneration. This Report has been 
prepared by the Remuneration Committee of Reed Elsevier 
Group plc (the Committee) in accordance with regulations 
made under the Companies Act 2006 and the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code (the Dutch Code).

The Report was approved by the Boards of Reed Elsevier Group 
plc, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV and will be 
submitted to shareholders for an advisory vote at the Annual 
General Meeting of Reed Elsevier PLC. 

The audited parts of the Report
In compliance with the Large and Medium-sized Companies 
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and 
under Title 9, Book 2 of the Civil Code in the Netherlands, the 
following elements of this Report have been audited: the table 
entitled ‘Transfer values of accrued pension benefits’ on page 
73; the tables showing ‘Aggregate emoluments’ and ‘Individual 
fees of non-executive directors’ on pages 75 and 76; the tables 
on ‘Individual emoluments of executive directors’ and 
‘Directors’ shareholdings in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV’ on page 76; and the section ‘Share-based awards 
in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV’ on pages 77 and 78. 

Introduction from Remuneration  
Committee Chairman

During 2011, awards granted under the 2008-10 cycle of the 
Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS) and the Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP) lapsed for executive directors as a result  
of performance conditions not being met. ESOS and LTIP awards 
granted under the 2009-11 cycle of these plans also lapsed  
for executive directors prior to the date of this Report for the  
same reasons.

During the year, the executive directors were eligible to participate 
in the Bonus Investment Plan (BIP) and took full advantage of the 
investment opportunity available to them. In addition, grants of 
market value options with a face value of 150% of base salary  
(half of the permitted maximum) were made during 2011 under 
ESOS to the executive directors. 

No new multi-year incentives were introduced for executive 
directors in 2011. The executive directors were not eligible for 
further awards under the Reed Elsevier Growth Plan (REGP)  
and did not receive any other multi-year incentive awards. 

The Committee decided to award the executive directors a salary 
increase of 2.5% each effective 1 January 2012. This level of 
increase is in line with 2012 increases applicable to the wider 
employee population and other senior executives.

Annual bonuses payable for 2011 to the executive directors were 
close to target reflecting good progress in the business during  
the year.

We previously indicated to shareholders that we intend to come 
back in due course with proposals for the implementation of a 
more regular, annual, LTIP for executive directors from 2013 
onwards in relation to which initial discussions and work 
commenced in the second part of 2011. This work will continue in 
2012 with a view to drawing up proposals for discussion with 
shareholders ahead of the 2013 AGMs.

During the year, Reed Elsevier announced that Mark Armour will 
retire on 31 December 2012. The terms and conditions which will 
apply in relation to the retirement are summarised on page 74 of 
this Report. 

Our approach to preparing this Report has been to meet the 
highest standards of disclosure, balancing in a thoughtful and 
responsible manner the UK legislative requirements with best 
practice guidelines on disclosure in the Netherlands. In preparing 
this Report, the Committee had regard to the approach adopted by 
other large global businesses subject to disclosure requirements 
in more than one jurisdiction. As in prior years, our aim has been to 
produce a clear, informative and understandable report. 

Mark Elliott
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

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64

governance
directors’ remuneration report

Remuneration Committee

constitution
throughout 2011, the committee consisted of independent 
non-executive directors, as defined by the uK corporate 
Governance code and the dutch code, and the chairman of reed 
elsevier Group plc. details of committee members and meeting 
attendance are contained in the section on ‘structure and 
corporate governance’ on page 58 of the annual reports. the 
company secretary also attends the meetings in his capacity as 
secretary to the committee. at the invitation of the committee 
chairman, the ceo of reed elsevier Group plc attends appropriate 
parts of the meetings. the ceo of reed elsevier Group plc is not in 
attendance during discussions pertaining to his remuneration.

the Global Human resources director provided material advice  
to the committee during the year.

advisers
towers Watson acted as external advisers to the committee 
throughout 2011 and also provided market data and data analysis. 
towers Watson also provided actuarial and other human 
resources consultancy services directly to some reed elsevier 
companies.

the individual consultants involved in advising the committee do 
not provide advice to the executive directors or act on their behalf.

Terms of reference 
the committee reviewed its terms of reference prior to the date of 
this report in the context of the uK corporate Governance code, 
applicable legislation and current practice and guidance which 
resulted in a number of minor amendments. the revised terms of 
reference describe the committee’s responsibilities as follows: 

Executive directors
 ƒ to establish the remuneration policy for the executive directors 
and determine the remuneration in all its forms (including 
pensions and share plan participation), the terms of the service 
contracts and all other terms and conditions of employment  
of the executive directors of reed elsevier Group plc and  
reed elsevier pLc and on the advice of the chairman the 
remuneration terms of the ceo (with respect to reed elsevier 
nV, the committee recommends to the supervisory Board the 
remuneration policy and the remuneration in all its forms for 
the ceo and other executive directors); and

 ƒ approve any compensation or termination payments made  
to executive directors of reed elsevier Group plc and reed 
elsevier pLc.

Senior management
 ƒ on the advice of the chief executive officer, to approve the 
remuneration policy of other senior leaders and of the 
company secretary; and

 ƒ to monitor the level and structure of remuneration for this 

group of executives.

Reed Elsevier Chairman 
 ƒ on the advice of the senior independent director, to determine 

the remuneration of the reed elsevier chairman (with  
respect to reed elsevier nV, to recommend, on advice of  
the senior independent director, to the combined Board the 
chairman’s remuneration in respect of his chairmanship of 
reed elsevier nV).

General
 ƒ to review the ongoing appropriateness and relevance of the 
remuneration policy, in particular the performance-related 
elements and their compatibility with risk policies and 
systems;

 ƒ to review and recommend amendments to the rules of all 
share-based incentive plans including the formulation of 
suitable performance conditions for share based awards and 
options, and where necessary, to submit them for approval  
by shareholders;

 ƒ to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue with institutional 

investors on major remuneration policy issues; and

 ƒ to discharge its duties with due regard to any published 

corporate governance guidelines, codes or recommendations 
regarding the remuneration of directors of listed companies 
and formation and operation of share schemes which the 
committee considers relevant or appropriate including, but  
not limited to, the uK and dutch corporate Governance codes. 

a copy of the terms of reference of the committee can be found on 
the reed elsevier website, www.reedelsevier.com.

Executive directors

remuneration philosophy and policy
the context for reed elsevier’s remuneration policy and practices 
is set by the needs of a global business with business areas that 
operate internationally by line of business. Furthermore, reed 
elsevier pLc and reed elsevier nV’s respective stock market 
listings in London and amsterdam combined with the majority of 
its employees being based in the us provides a particular set of 
challenges in the design and operation of remuneration policy.

our remuneration philosophy
reed elsevier’s guiding remuneration philosophy for senior 
executives is based on the following precepts:

 ƒ performance-related compensation with demanding 

performance standards.

 ƒ creation of shareholder value.

 ƒ competitive remuneration opportunity to attract and retain the 

best executive talent from anywhere in the world.

 ƒ a balanced mix of remuneration between fixed and variable 

elements, and annual and longer term performance.

 ƒ aligning the interests of executive directors with shareholders 

and other stakeholders.

our remuneration policy
in line with this guiding philosophy our remuneration policy is 
described below.

 ƒ reed elsevier aims to provide a total remuneration package 

that is able to attract and retain the best executive talent from 
anywhere in the world, at an appropriate level of cost.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

65

 ƒ In reaching decisions on executive remuneration, the 

Committee takes into account the remuneration arrangements 
and levels of increase applicable to senior management and 
Reed Elsevier employees generally.

 ƒ The Committee considers the social, governance, and 

environmental implications of its decisions, particularly when 
setting and assessing performance objectives and targets,  
and seeks to ensure that incentives are consistent with the 
appropriate management of risk.

50%

 ƒ Total targeted remuneration of senior executives will be 
competitive with that of executives in similar positions in 
comparable companies, which includes global sector peers 
and companies of similar scale and international complexity.

 ƒ Competitiveness is assessed in terms of total remuneration  
(i.e. salary, annual and multi-year incentives and benefits).

 ƒ The intention is to provide total remuneration that reflects 

sustained individual and business performance; i.e. median 
performance will be rewarded by total remuneration that is 
positioned around the median of relevant market data and 
upper quartile performance by upper quartile total 
remuneration.

 ƒ The Committee will consider all available discretion to claw 
back any payouts made on the basis of materially misstated 
data. With effect from 2009, the rules of all incentive plans were 
amended to provide for specific provisions in this regard.

 ƒ The Committee considers it important to encourage personal 
investment and ongoing holding of Reed Elsevier PLC and/or 
Reed Elsevier NV securities among the senior executive 
population. Executive directors and other senior executives  
are subject to minimum shareholding requirements.

How the performance measures in the incentives link to our 
business strategy 
Our annual incentive plan is focused on operational excellence as 
measured by the financial measures of revenue, profit and cash 
generation. In addition, a significant portion of the annual bonus  
is dependent upon the achievement of annual key performance 
objectives (KPOs) that create a platform for sustainable future 
performance. These KPOs align with Reed Elsevier’s strategic 
plans and range from the delivery of specific projects and the 
achievement of customer metrics or efficiency targets to 
corporate and social responsibility objectives.

The Committee believes that one of the main drivers of long  
term shareholder value is sustained growth in profitability, 
underpinned by appropriate capital discipline. Therefore growth 
in earnings per share and targeted return on invested capital are 
both utilised in our multi-year incentives. 

The balance between fixed and performance-related pay
We aim to provide each executive director with an annual total 
remuneration package comprising fixed and variable pay with the 
majority of an executive director’s total remuneration package 
linked to performance. At target performance, incentive pay 
makes up approximately 70% of the total remuneration package 
as shown in the pie chart. The core components of the total 
remuneration package are described in detail in the remainder  
of this Report.

20%

Fixed pay elements 30%

Salary

Pensions and 
other benefits

10%

Variable pay elements 70%

Annual incentive

  Multi-year incentives

20%

To illustrate how our levels of compensation are driven by 
business performance we have produced the chart below (scale  
in percent of base salary). This shows the way in which annual 
remuneration payable to an executive director would vary under 
different performance scenarios. For the purposes of this 
illustration assumptions have been made in relation to vesting/
payout levels at the different levels of performance.

700%

600%

500%

400%

300%

200%

100%

0%

Minimum

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Salary

Annual incentive

Multi-year incentives

Our approach to market positioning and benchmarking
The market competitiveness of total remuneration (i.e. salary, 
annual and multi-year incentives and benefits) is assessed against 
a range of relevant comparator groups as follows:

 ƒ Global peers operating in businesses similar to those  

of Reed Elsevier (including Thomson Reuters, WPP, Pearson, 
John Wiley, Wolters Kluwer, Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, 
McGraw-Hill, UBM, DMGT, Informa, Lagardère and FICO).

 ƒ Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (cross-

industry but excluding those in the financial services sector) of 
a similar size (measured by aggregate market capitalisation) 
and international scope.

 ƒ Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange 

(cross-industry but excluding those in the financial services 
sector) of a similar size (measured by aggregate market 
capitalisation) and international scope.

 ƒ Companies listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange, 

cross-industry and of a similar size (measured by aggregate 
market capitalisation) and international scope.

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DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

The composition of the respective comparator groups is subject  
to minor changes year on year reflecting changes in the size, 
international scope and listing status of specific companies during 
the year.

The competitiveness of our remuneration packages is assessed 
by the Committee as part of the annual review cycle for pay and 
performance, in line with the process set out below.

 ƒ First, the overall competitiveness of the total remuneration 
packages is assessed both against the market and taking 
account of remuneration levels within Reed Elsevier more 
widely. The appropriate positioning of an individual’s total 
remuneration against the market is determined based on  
the Committee’s judgement of individual performance  
and potential.

 ƒ The Committee then considers market data and benchmarks 
for the different elements of the package including salary,  
total annual cash and total remuneration. While relevant 
benchmark information is a meaningful input to the process, 
they inform rather than drive the outcome of the review.

 ƒ If it is determined that a total remuneration competitive gap 

exists, the Committee believes that this should be addressed 
via a review of performance-linked compensation elements  
in the first instance.

 ƒ Benefits, including medical and retirement benefits, are 

positioned to reflect local country practice.

The total remuneration package
Each element of the remuneration package for executive directors is designed to achieve specific objectives, as described in this section. 
In aggregate, they create a unified and balanced reward mix and competitive employment proposition. The value of the reward package 
is only maximised through the integrated delivery of annual and longer term performance. Reward for the delivery of business results  
is connected with reward for value flowing to shareholders. Through the use of a range of performance metrics such as earnings per 
share, return on invested capital, profit after tax, revenue, cash flow conversion rate and total shareholder return and the assessment  
of performance over multiple time-horizons, the incentive arrangements are structured in such a way that reward cannot be maximised 
through inappropriate short term risk-taking.

The table below summarises the component parts of the remuneration package provided to the executive directors during 2011. This 
includes the bonuses earned for performance during 2011, payouts received from and awards granted under the multi-year incentives 
during the year.

Component 

Base salary (page 67) 

 Retirement benefits 
(page 72)

other benefits  

 annual incentive (page 67) 
(earned for 2011 and payable  
in March 2012)

 Multi-year   
incentives granted  
(page 68) 

 Multi-year 
incentives vested 
(2008–10 cycle)

ESOS  

BIP 

LTIP 

ESOS 

 Shareholding requirement  
(page 72)

Erik Engstrom  

£1,025,000  

Mark armour 

£628,776 

UK defined benefit plan  

UK defined benefit plan 

Includes company car or  
cash allowance and private  
medical benefit 

Includes company car or  
cash allowance and private 
medical benefit

£1,021,925 

£611,799 

Market value options over 
139,146 PLC and 92,953 NV 
ordinary shares  

61,176 NV ADRs 

Lapsed 

Lapsed 

Market value options over 
85,358 PLC and 57,021 NV 
ordinary shares

 56,876 PLC and 37,687 NV  
ordinary shares

Lapsed

Lapsed

300% of salary  

200% of salary  

Policy in relation to the individual remuneration elements is described in greater detail in the remainder of this section.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

67

The KPOs are individual to each executive director. Each executive 
director is set up to six KPOs to reflect critical business priorities 
for which he is accountable. The KPO component for the executive 
directors and other senior executives will contain at least one KPO 
relating to the achievement of specific sustainability objectives 
and targets contained within Reed Elsevier’s corporate 
responsibility agenda. 

Against each objective, measurable milestone targets are set  
for the year. All financial targets and KPOs are approved by the 
Committee and are subject to formal assessment at the end of  
each year. The Chairman of Reed Elsevier Group plc presents his 
assessment of performance against KPOs for the CEO of Reed 
Elsevier Group plc to the Committee while the CEO of Reed Elsevier 
Group plc presents his assessment of KPO performance for the 
CFO of Reed Elsevier Group plc. The Committee then discusses  
and agrees the final KPO score for each executive director.

aIP payments for 2011
In assessing the level of bonus payments for 2011, the Committee 
noted the following performances:

Reed Elsevier

% change over 2010 at constant exchange rates

Underlying
revenue growth

+2%

Total adjusted
PAT

+6%

Reed Elsevier continued its positive momentum in 2011. All five 
business areas contributed to underlying revenue growth, 
excluding biennial cycling, with underlying operating profits 
showing good growth. Underlying revenues, which exclude the 
effects of currency translations and acquisitions and disposals, 
were up 2%, or 3% excluding the cycling effect of biennial 
exhibitions, reflecting a consistent performance from our 
subscription and online data businesses. Adjusted operating 
profits were up 4% at constant currencies. Total costs, including 
acquisitions and disposals, fell by 2% at constant exchange rates 
and adjusted operating margins at 27.1% were 1.4 percentage 
points higher than last year. Adjusted operating cash flow was flat 
compared with the prior year or down 1% at constant currencies. 
The lower level of cash flow conversion reflects among other 
things higher capital expenditure through increased investment  
in new products and related infrastructure in 2011. Returns on 
invested capital increased to 11.2%, 0.6 percentage points higher 
than in 2010, reflecting improvements in trading performance, 
strong cash flow and capital efficiency.

Overall, the sum of the individual scores achieved against the four 
AIP components was close to target for both executive directors, 
resulting in the following bonuses for 2011:

2011 annual bonus
(to be paid in March 2012)

% of 2011 base
salary earnings

Erik Engstrom
Mark Armour

£1,021,925
£611,799

99.7%
97.3%

Base salary

Salary reflects the role and the sustained value of the executive  
in terms of skills, experience and contribution in the context of  
the relevant market. 

Salaries for executive directors are reviewed annually in the 
context of the competitiveness of total remuneration and Reed 
Elsevier’s guidelines for wages and salaries agreed for the whole 
of Reed Elsevier for the forthcoming financial year. Any increases 
typically take effect on 1 January.

The Committee decided to award a salary increase of 2.5% to each 
executive director which increased base salaries with effect from 
1 January 2012 to £1,050,625 for Erik Engstrom and £644,495 for 
Mark Armour. In determining the salary recommendation for 
executive directors, the Committee considered, among other 
inputs, 2012 salary guidance for Reed Elsevier’s most significant 
employee locations globally. The salary recommendations for the 
executive directors are within the guidelines agreed for those 
employees in respect of 2012 increases. 

In respect of salaries for the broader employee population, Reed 
Elsevier uses the same factors to determine the levels of increase 
across all employee populations globally: i.e. relevant pay market, 
skills, experience and contribution. Reed Elsevier operates across 
many diverse countries in terms of their remuneration structures 
and practices. Any increases awarded to different employee 
groups in different geographies reflect this diversity and range of 
practices. An increase of approximately 2.5% on average will be 
awarded across the senior management population globally for 
2012. This level of increase is in line with increases provided to the 
wider employee population.

annual incentive

The Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) provides focus on the delivery of 
stretching annual financial targets and the achievement of annual 
objectives and milestones that create a platform for sustainable 
future performance.

For 2012, executive directors have a target bonus opportunity of 
100% of salary that is weighted as follows across four elements 
(unchanged from 2011):

Measure

Revenue
Adjusted Profit After Tax
Cash Flow Conversion Rate
Key Performance Objectives (KPOs)

Weighting

30%
30%
10%
30%

The target bonus opportunity for the financial measures is payable 
for the achievement of highly stretching financial targets. The four 
elements are measured separately, such that there could be a 
payout on one element and not on others.

For 2012, the minimum threshold on the financial elements of the 
AIP at which a bonus starts to accrue is 94% of target achievement 
and the maximum bonus is 150% of target (unchanged from 2011), 
although the Committee decided to slightly adjust the payout slope 
for financials between threshold and maximum to align executive 
directors with other executives and employees. This means that 
part of the bonus will accrue for achieving threshold whilst a 
higher level of out-performance will be required to achieve the 
maximum bonus.

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Multi-year incentives

The multi-year incentives comprise the REGP, BIP, ESOS and LTIP.

The purpose of the multi-year incentives is to provide focus on  
the delivery of the medium to longer term strategy and holding 
executives accountable for the delivery of that strategy while 
driving value creation through sustained financial performance, 
capital discipline and the delivery of returns for shareholders.  
In addition, the multi-year incentives are structured so as to 
encourage personal investment and ongoing shareholding in Reed 
Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV securities among the senior 
executive population in order to promote alignment with 
shareholders and to provide focus on the share price. 

Awards under the multi-year incentives take the form of restricted 
shares and market value options which typically vest over a period 
of three years except for the REGP under which awards vest over 
three and five years. The vesting of all awards made to executive 
directors under these plans is subject to meeting a number of 
stretching performance targets based on internal financial 
metrics and total shareholder return. Additionally, in the case  
of ESOS, a financial pre-grant performance condition applies 
which determines the annual size of the available grant pool  
for all participants in the plan. 

Reed Elsevier growth Plan (REgP)
The key features of the REGP are summarised below.

REED ELSEvIER gRoWTH PLaN (REgP)

Feature

Frequency of award

Eligibility

Detail

ƒ One-off arrangement
ƒ Awards were made on 26 May 2010
ƒ CEO and CFO of Reed Elsevier Group plc
ƒ As a condition of participation, the executive directors were required to hold Reed Elsevier 
securities on the date of grant to the value of 300% of salary in the case of the CEO and 200% 
of salary in the case of the CFO. Any personal shares invested under the BIP did not count 
towards this holding requirement

ƒ The executive directors are required to maintain shareholdings at the respective levels 

throughout the life of the plan (i.e. for five years) or until such time as they cease to be eligible for 
further payouts under the plan, if earlier

Performance period

ƒ Five years split into an initial period of three financial years followed by a further two  

financial years

Performance conditions

ƒ Opportunity to receive partial payout after three years
ƒ Relative TSR measured against three comparator groups, adjusted EPS and ROIC (see section 

entitled ‘Performance measures and targets’)

ƒ The performance metrics have equal weighting, with one third of the award vesting based on 

performance against the respective metric (additive measurement)

Vesting scale
Cap 

ƒ Performance hurdle and scaled vesting
ƒ The number of shares capable of vesting is capped at 150% of the number comprised in the initial 

performance share award

Dividend equivalents

ƒ Dividend equivalents accrue during the performance period and are paid out in cash when the 

shares are released, to the extent that the underlying securities vest

Other provisions

ƒ On a change of control, awards vest on a pro-rated basis and subject to performance based on 

an assessment of progress against targets at the time the change of control occurs

ƒ Claw-back applies 
ƒ Awards under the plan are satisfied with shares purchased in the market

reed elsevier  annual reports and Financial statements 2011

69

MecHanIcS
the chart below illustrates how the reGp operates

3 YEARS: 2010-12

H1 2013

2 YEARS: 2013-14

50% of 
performance
shares are 
released

Release of remaining 50% of the 
performance shares is deferred until
H1 of 2015 subject to continued employment

Subject to performance against three metrics,
up to a 1 for 1 match can be earned over years
4 and 5 on the deferred performance shares

Performance share 
award of 600% 
of salary

Performance 
tested

EPS
1/3RD

TSR
1/3RD

Performance 
share award

ROIC
1/3RD

EPS
1/3RD

TSR
1/3RD

ROIC
1/3RD

On the date of grant the CEO committed 300% of salary and the 
CFO 200% of salary in shares to the plan which must be retained 
throughout the life of the plan or until the executive directors cease
to be eligible for further payouts, if earlier

Subject to performance against three metrics,
up to a 1 for 1 match can be earned over years
4 and 5 on the personal shareholding committed
under the plan

Overall payout from the plan to each executive director is capped at 150% of the shares comprised in the performance share award

H1 2015

Release of deferred
performance shares

Release of matching
shares earned

Release of committed
holding – the
regular shareholding
guidelines continue
to apply to the
executive directors

Performance measures and targets

Total Shareholder return (TSr)
the vesting of one third of the reGp award is subject to reed 
elsevier’s tsr performance compared against three comparator 
groups (the tsr tranche). 

as reed elsevier accesses equity capital markets through three 
exchanges – London, amsterdam and new York – in three 
separate currency zones, three distinct comparator groups are 
used – a sterling comparator Group, a euro comparator Group 
and a us dollar comparator Group. the tsr performance of  
reed elsevier pLc ordinary shares (based on the London listing)  
is measured against the sterling comparator Group, the tsr 
performance of reed elsevier nV ordinary shares (based on the 
amsterdam listing) is measured against the euro comparator 
Group; and the tsr performance of reed elsevier pLc adrs  
and reed elsevier nV adrs (based on the new York listing) is 
measured against the us dollar comparator Group. the 
averaging period applied for tsr measurement purposes is six 
months prior to the start of the financial year in which the award 
was made and the final six months of the last financial year of the 
performance period. 

tsr performance is measured separately against each 
comparator group and the proportion of the tsr tranche that 
vests is the sum of the payouts achieved against the three 
comparator groups.

3 year period:
2010-12

tsr ranking within the 
relevant tsr  
comparator group

Vesting percentage
of each third of the
tsr tranche

Below median
median
upper quartile

0%
30%
100%

5 year period: 
2010-14 

Vesting percentage 
of each third of the
tsr tranche

0%
30%
100%

Vesting is on a straight-line basis for ranking between the median 
and the upper quartile.

TSr comparators groups
the constituents of each comparator group were selected on the 
following basis: 

 ƒ companies included in the relevant market index as at 

31 december 2009 and nearest in size to reed elsevier in terms 
of market capitalisation. 

 ƒ the relevant market indices are: (1) Ftse 100 for the sterling 
comparator Group; (2) euronext100 and the daX 30 for the  
euro comparator Group; and (3) the s&p 500 for the us dollar 
comparator Group.

 ƒ the following companies were excluded for this purpose:

– companies with mainly domestic revenues (as they do not 

reflect the global nature of reed elsevier’s customer base);

– those engaged in extractive industries (as they are exposed to 

commodity cycles); and

– financial services companies (as they have a different risk/

reward profile).

 ƒ relevant listed global peers operating in businesses similar to 
those of reed elsevier not otherwise included were added to 
the relevant comparator group.

set out overleaf are the comparators included in each currency 
group applicable to awards made in 2010 under the reGp.

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Sterling
Comparator
group*

Aggreko
AstraZeneca
Autonomy Corp.
BAE Systems
British Airways
British American Tobacco
Bunzl
Burberry Group
Cobham
Compass Group
DMGT
Diageo
Experian
GlaxoSmithKline
Intercontinental Hotels
Imperial Tobacco Group
Informa
Inmarsat
International Power
Intertek Group
Invensys
Johnson Matthey
Kingfisher
National Grid
Pearson
Reckitt Benckiser Group
Rexam
Rolls-Royce Group
SABMiller
Sage Group
Shire
Smith & Nephew
Smiths Group
Thomas Cook Group
TUI Travel
Unilever (LSE)
United Business Media
Vodafone
Wolseley
WPP

Euro
Comparator
group*

Accor
Adidas
Ahold
Air Liquide
Akzo Nobel
Alstom
ASML Holding
BASF
BMW
Carrefour
Christian Dior
Daimler
Deutsche Post
EADS
Essilor Intl.
Heineken
Hermes Intl.
K+S
Lafarge
Lagardère Groupe
Linde
LVMH
MAN
Metro
Michelin
Pernod-Ricard
Philips Eltn. Koninklijke
Portugal Telecom SGPS
PPR
Renault
Saint-Gobain
SAP
Schneider Electric
Suez Environnement
Thales
ThyssenKrupp
TNT
Unilever (AEX)
Vallourec
Veolia Environnement
Volkswagen
Wolters Kluwer

US Dollar 
Comparator 
group*

3M
Adobe Systems
Agilent Techs.
Air Prds. & Chems.
Amazon.com
Analog Devices
Applied Mats.
Avon Products
Baxter Intl.
Becton Dickinson
Caterpillar
Colgate-Palmolive
Corning
Cummins
Deere
Dow Chemical
Dun & Bradstreet
E. I. du Pont de Nemours
eBay
Emerson Electric
Fico
Ford Motor
Genzyme
H.J. Heinz
Illinois Tool Works
John Wiley
Johnson Controls
Juniper Networks
Life Technologies
McDonalds
McGraw-Hill
Micron Technology
Motorola
News Corp
Nike
Nvidia
Paccar
PPG Industries
Spectra Energy
Texas Insts.
Thomson Reuters (NYSE)
United Technologies
Yum! Brands

*Reflects the composition of the comparator group as at the date of grant.

Return on invested capital (RoIC)
The vesting of one third of the REGP award is subject to the 
percentage return on invested capital of Reed Elsevier PLC and 
Reed Elsevier NV (the ROIC tranche) as follows:

3 years:
2010-12

2 years:
2013-14

Vesting percentage
of ROIC tranche

ROIC in 2012, subject to 
actual exceeding 2009 
ROIC calculated on the 
same basis
Below 10.2%
10.2%
11.2% or above

ROIC in 2014 

Below 10.7%
10.7%
12.7% or above

0%
60%
100%

Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the 
minimum and maximum levels. 

For the purposes of the plan, the following definitions apply:

 ƒ Invested capital = arithmetic average of the opening and closing 
capital employed for the Reed Elsevier combined businesses 
for the financial year with all cumulative amortisation and 
impairment charges for acquired intangible assets and 
goodwill added back. In addition, any exceptional restructuring 
and acquisition integration charges (net of tax) are capitalised 
for these purposes and changes in exchange rates and 
movements in pension deficits are excluded.

 ƒ Return = adjusted operating profit for the Reed Elsevier 

combined businesses before amortisation and impairment  
of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, exceptional 
restructuring and acquisition integration charges. In addition, 
it is grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint 
ventures and further adjusted to exclude net pension financing 
credit movement, after applying the effective rate of tax used 
for adjusted earnings calculations and using exchange rates  
to match those used in the calculation of invested capital. 

In order to ensure that the performance score achieved is a fair 
reflection of underlying business performance, the Committee 
retains discretion to determine the treatment of major disposals 
and acquisitions that require board approval. Any significant 
adjustments made to the final performance score will be 
disclosed to shareholders.

adjusted earnings per share (EPS)
The vesting of one third of the REGP award is subject to 
performance against growth in adjusted earnings per share 
measured at constant currencies (Adjusted EPS) (the EPS 
tranche) as follows:

3 years:
2010-12

2 years:
2013-14

Vesting percentage
of EPS tranche

Average Adjusted
EPS growth in years
2011 and 2012 
(subject to average 
Adjusted EPS growth over
the whole three year
period being positive)
Below 5% p.a.
5% p.a.
9% p.a. or above

Average 
Adjusted 
EPS growth over
the two year  
period

Below 7% p.a.
7% p.a.
13% p.a. or above

0%
60%
100%

Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the 
minimum and maximum levels. 

For the purposes of the plan, the following definitions apply:

 ƒ Earnings = adjusted reported earnings measured at constant 

currencies. Adjustments include amortisation and impairment 
of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, exceptional 
restructuring and acquisition integration charges, gains/
losses on business disposals and tax rate anomalies (deferred 
tax). The Committee retains discretion to adjust for changes in 
the net pension financing credit.

 ƒ Number of shares = weighted average number of shares in 

issue excluding shares held in treasury.

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

71

A multi-year incentive award was granted to senior leaders below 
the Board in 2011. Grants are made on a rolling three year basis 
and awards are in the form of performance shares that vest 
subject to the same performance metrics and vesting scales 

applicable to the REGP and the targets set for each metric are 
aligned to the five-year performance scale applicable to the 
executive directors under the REGP.

Executive Share option Scheme (ESoS)
The key features of the ESOS are summarised below.

Feature

Frequency of award

Eligibility

Vesting period

Detail

ƒ Annual grant of market value options
ƒ Broadest multi-year incentive operated by Reed Elsevier
ƒ Annual awards are made to approximately 1,000 employees across some 20+ countries including 

the executive directors

ƒ Three years from the date of grant
ƒ Options are exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant or on cessation of 

employment (for defined categories of approved leavers), if earlier

Performance conditions

ƒ Pre-grant performance condition of adjusted EPS growth which determines the size of the annual 

grant pool available for grants to all participants (see below)

ƒ Post-grant performance hurdle of adjusted EPS growth applicable to the vesting of awards to 

executive directors

Cap 

ƒ Maximum annual award (in terms of the aggregate market value of the shares under option at the 

Other provisions

date of grant) of three times salary per executive director

ƒ On a change of control, awards vest subject to performance based on an assessment of progress 
against targets at the time the change of control occurs; participants may exchange their awards 
for awards in the acquiring company, if available 

ƒ Claw-back applies 
ƒ Awards under the plan are satisfied with newly issued shares

The size of the total grant pool available for all participants in a 
given year is determined based on growth in average compound 
adjusted EPS measured in constant currencies (Adjusted EPS) 
over the three years prior to grant as follows: 

Average Adjusted EPS growth p.a. 
over the three years prior to grant

% of the 2003 grant pool
available for distribution

Less than 6%
6% or more but less than 8%
8% or more but less than 10%
10% or more but less than 12%
12% or more

50%
75%
100%
125%
150%

Adjusted EPS growth for the three years ended 31 December 2011 
was less than 6% p.a. which means that the available grant pool for 
ESOS awards in 2012 is 50% of the 2003 pool. 

During 2011, the executive directors received each a grant of  
150% of base salary of market value options (50% of the permitted 
maximum). The vesting of the award is subject to an Adjusted EPS 
growth hurdle of 6% p.a. 

During the year the 2008-10 cycle of ESOS lapsed for executive 
directors as a result of EPS performance being below the 
threshold required for vesting. Prior to the date of this Report, the 
Committee determined that the 2009-11 cycle of ESOS also lapsed 
for executive directors as the Adjusted EPS growth hurdle of 8% 
p.a. on vesting was not achieved. 

Bonus Investment Plan (BIP)
The bonus investment plan is a voluntary plan aimed at 
encouraging personal investment in, and ongoing holding of, Reed 
Elsevier shares to promote greater alignment with shareholders 
and support the retention of key talent. The current bonus 
investment plan was approved by shareholders at the 2010 Annual 
General Meetings of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV and 
replaced the bonus investment plan implemented in 2003. 

Under the BIP, participants may invest their own funds to purchase 
Reed Elsevier securities or allocate securities already owned 
outright for investment under the plan up to a specified maximum. 
In return, the participant is granted a matching award which vests 
over three years subject to performance (i.e. a maximum match of 
1 for 1 can be earned on the personal investment). It is a condition 
of vesting that the underlying personal investment is retained 
throughout the vesting period. Dividend equivalents accrue on the 
matching shares during the vesting period and are paid out in cash 
at the end to the extent that the matching award vests. The table 
overleaf summarises the key features of the BIP.

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Feature

Frequency of award

Eligibility

Performance period

Performance conditions

Vesting scale
Personal investment

Other provisions

Detail

ƒ Annual grants of matching awards
ƒ Ten-year life of the plan
ƒ Implemented in 2010 with first matching awards granted in May 2010
ƒ Approximately 150 senior executives including executive directors
ƒ Participation is voluntary
ƒ Three financial years
ƒ Average adjusted EPS growth measured in constant currencies and ROIC (see below)
ƒ 50% of the award is subject to adjusted EPS growth and 50% subject to ROIC 
ƒ Performance hurdle and scaled vesting 
ƒ Up to 100% of the target bonus opportunity net of tax 
ƒ On a change of control, awards vest on a pro-rated basis and subject to performance based on  
an assessment of progress against targets at the time the change of control occurs, unless the 
Committee determines that awards should not vest and instead be exchanged for equivalent 
awards over shares in the acquiring company (i.e. rollover applies)

ƒ Claw-back applies
ƒ Awards under the plan are satisfied with shares purchased in the market

The following targets and vesting scale apply to awards granted 
under the BIP in 2011:

cycle of LTIP had also lapsed as the minimum performance hurdle 
of 10% adjusted EPS growth was not met. 

Match earned on personal 
investment 

Average growth in Adjusted EPS 
(%) over  
the 3 year performance period

0%
50%
75%
100%

below 4% p.a.
4% p.a. 
6.5% p.a.
9% p.a. or above

ROIC (%) in the 
third year of the 
performance 
period

below 10.4%
10.4%
10.9%
11.4% or above

The same EPS targets as set out in the table above will apply to 
awards of matching shares to be granted in 2012 under the 2012-14 
cycle of the plan. The targets applicable to the ROIC proportion will 
be increased to 11.0% at threshold and 12.0% at maximum with 
straight-line vesting for performance between the points. The 
executive directors will be eligible to participate in BIP in 2012. 

The vesting scale and performance metrics applicable to awards 
granted in 2010 under the BIP are the same as above, except that 
the EPS proportion is measured over years two and three of the 
performance period (i.e. 2011 and 2012) with vesting of the EPS 
component being subject to average EPS growth over the whole 
three year vesting period being positive. The targets applicable to 
the ROIC proportion under the 2010-12 cycle were 0.2% lower than 
the targets applicable to the 2011-13 cycle, with a threshold of 
10.2% and maximum vesting for achieving ROIC of 11.2% or above 
in the third year of the performance period. Straight-line vesting 
applies for performance between the points.

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
No awards under the LTIP were given to executive directors in 2011 
and no awards will be made in 2012.

Awards under this plan were in the form of restricted shares, with 
half of the award being over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and the 
other half over shares in Reed Elsevier NV. A three year 
performance period applies and awards vest based on the growth 
in average compound adjusted EPS growth measured at constant 
currencies and Reed Elsevier’s TSR performance compared to a 
group of industry peers. The 2008-10 cycle of LTIP lapsed during 
2011 as a result of performance conditions not being met. At the 
date of this Report, it had also been determined that the 2009-11 

No further award cycles remain outstanding under this plan at the 
date of this Report.

Shareholding requirement
The Committee believes that one of the aspects that creates closer 
alignment between senior management and shareholders is to 
require executives to build up and maintain a significant personal 
stake in Reed Elsevier. The shareholding requirements applicable 
to the executive directors are set out in the table below and, as 
described on page 68, were pre-requisites to participate in the 
REGP. Shareholding requirements also apply to selected senior 
executives below the Board. 

Meeting the relevant shareholding requirement is both a condition 
of the vesting of awards as well as a pre-requisite to maintain 
eligibility to receive future awards under the multi-year 
incentives.

On 31 December 2011, the executive directors’ shareholdings were 
as follows (valued at the mid-market closing prices of Reed 
Elsevier securities): 

Shareholding requirement 
(in % of 31 December 2011
annualised base salary)

Actual shareholding as at 
31 December 2011
(in % of 31 December 2011 
annualised base salary)

Erik Engstrom
Mark Armour

300%
200%

396% 
376% 

other employee share plans

UK-based executive directors are eligible to participate in the 
HMRC approved all-employee UK Savings-Related Share Option 
Scheme (SAYE). 

Retirement benefits

Retirement benefit provisions are set in the context of the total 
remuneration for each executive director, taking account of age 
and service and against the background of evolving legislation  
and practice in Reed Elsevier’s major countries of operation.  
Base salary is the only pensionable element of remuneration.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

73

Erik Engstrom and Mark Armour are provided with UK defined 
benefit pension arrangements under which they accrue a pension 
of 1/30th of salary for every year of service (up to a maximum of 
two thirds of salary). The pension is provided through a 
combination of:

 ƒ the main UK Reed Elsevier Pension Scheme for salary 

restricted to a cap, determined annually on the same basis as 
the pre-April 2006 Inland Revenue earnings cap, and

 ƒ Reed Elsevier’s unapproved pension arrangement for salary 

above the cap.

Prior to 1 November 2007, Erik Engstrom was not a member of 
any company pension scheme and Reed Elsevier made annual 
contributions of 19.5% of his salary to his personal pension plan. 
From 1 November 2007 contributions to his designated retirement 
account ceased and he became a member of the UK defined 
benefit pension arrangement.

Transfer values of accrued pension benefits

The pension arrangements for the directors include life 
assurance cover while in employment, an entitlement to a pension 
in the event of ill health or disability and a spouse’s and/or 
dependants’ pension on death.

The increase in the transfer value of the directors’ pensions, after 
deduction of contributions, is shown in the table below. Transfer 
values have been calculated in accordance with the guidance note 
GN11 published by the UK Institute of Actuaries and Faculty of 
Actuaries. The transfer values at 31 December 2011 have been 
calculated using the transfer value basis adopted by the trustees 
of the pension scheme from 1 October 2008.

The transfer value in respect of individual directors represents a 
liability in respect of directors’ pension entitlement, and is not an 
amount paid or payable to the director.

Transfer
value
of accrued
pension at
31 December
2010

Transfer
value
of accrued
pension at
31 December
2011

Increase in
transfer
value during
the year
(net of
director’s
contributions)

Age at
31 December
2011

Director’s
contributions

Erik Engstrom
Mark Armour

48
57

£7,377
£7,377

£1,366,389
£5,643,891

£2,099,132
£6,758,053

 £725,366
£1,106,785

Accrued
annual
pension at
31 December
2011

£142,375
£354,522

Increase in
accrued
annual
pension
during
the year

£36,799
£29,097

Transfer  
value at
31 December
2011 of
increase
in accrued
pension
during the year
(net of inflation
and director’s
contributions) 

£460,465
£249,862

Increase in
accrued
annual
pension
during
the year
(net of
inflation)

£31,732
£13,495

Service contracts
Executive directors are employed under service contracts that 
provide for a maximum of one year’s notice. The contracts neither 
specify a predetermined level of severance payment nor contain 
specific provisions in respect of a change in control. The 
Committee believes that, as a general rule, notice periods should 
be 12 months and that the executive directors should, subject to 
any legal constraints within their base country, be required to 
mitigate their losses in the event of termination. The Committee 
will, however, note local market conditions so as to ensure that the 
terms offered are appropriate to attract and retain top executives 
operating in global businesses.

The contractual terms of the executive directors (and for 
approximately 100 other senior executives) include certain 
covenants as follows:

 ƒ non-competition restrictions apply which prevent the executive 

from working in a capacity which competes with any Reed 

Elsevier business which he/she was involved with during the 
preceding 12 months; from recruiting Reed Elsevier employees 
and from soliciting Reed Elsevier customers and suppliers for 
a period of 12 months after leaving employment;

 ƒ in the event of the executive resigning, he/she will immediately 
lose all rights to any outstanding awards under the multi-year 
incentives including any vested but unexercised options; and

 ƒ in the event of a breach of the covenants, any gains made or 

payouts received, in the period starting six months prior and 
ending 12 months after leaving employment, on the vesting or 
exercise of awards from the multi-year incentives may be 
repayable.

Each executive director has a service contract with Reed Elsevier 
Group plc, as summarised in the table below.

Current contract date

Date employment commenced

Expiry date (subject to notice period)

Notice period

Subject to

Erik Engstrom 
Mark Armour 

14 March 2011
7 October 1996

23 August 2004
1 February 1995

14 June 2028
Retires 31 December 2012

12 months
12 months

English law
English law

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74

governance
directors’ remuneration report

Mark armour’s retirement terms
the following terms will apply to mark armour in connection with 
his retirement on 31 december 2012:

 ƒ his participation in the reGp will cease once the performance 
share award has been performance-tested in 2013. all of the 
performance shares earned will be released at that time and 
dividend equivalents relating to the earned shares will be paid 
in cash at the same time. the vesting of the performance 
shares will be subject to the cap applicable to the reGp, with 
the cap being pro-rated by 3/5th to reflect his years of actual 
service during the performance period of 1 January 2010 
through to 31 december 2014. He will not be eligible for a grant 
of matching shares in 2013 and there will be no further 
entitlement for payments under this plan; 

 ƒ his shareholding requirement under the reGp of two times 

salary will cease in 2013, once the extent of any vesting of the 
performance share award under the reGp has been 
determined;

 ƒ no esos award will be made to him in 2012;

 ƒ existing covenants relating to non-competition, non-

solicitation and confidentiality will remain in place for  
12 months post-retirement; 

 ƒ all unvested share-based awards will be treated in accordance 

with the rules of the plans, and outstanding esos options 
remain exercisable for up to three and a half years from 
retirement; 

 ƒ he will be eligible to draw his pension under the uK reed 
elsevier pension scheme and the unapproved pension 
arrangement in accordance with the terms of those schemes 
from 1 January 2013; and

 ƒ no further payments will be due. 

Policy on external appointments
the committee believes that the experience gained by allowing 
executive directors to serve as non-executive directors on the 
boards of other organisations is of benefit to reed elsevier. 
accordingly, executive directors may, subject to the approval of the 
chairman and the chief executive officer, serve as non-executive 
directors on the boards of up to two non-associated companies (of 
which only one may be to the board of a major company) and they 
may retain remuneration arising from such appointments.

mark armour is a non-executive director of saBmiller plc and 
received remuneration of £100,694 during 2011 (£59,610 during 
2010 reflecting pro-rata payments since appointment).

Non-executive directors

Policy on non-executive directors’ fees
the policy on non-executive directors’ fees is a matter for the 
Boards, subject to applicable law, and does not fall within the 
committee’s remit.

reed elsevier seeks to recruit non-executive directors with the 
experience to contribute to the boards of a dual-listed global 
business and with a balance of personal skills that will make a 
major contribution to the Boards and their committee structures. 
With the exception of marike van Lier Lels who serves only on the 
supervisory Board of reed elsevier nV, non-executive directors, 
including the chairman, are appointed to the Boards of reed 
elsevier Group plc, reed elsevier pLc and the supervisory Board 
of reed elsevier nV. non-executive directors’ fees reflect the 
directors’ membership of the three Boards.

the primary source for comparative market data is the practice of 
Ftse 50 companies, although reference is also made to aeX and 
us listed companies.

non-executive directors, including the chairman, serve under 
letters of appointment and are not entitled to notice of, or 
payments following, retirement from the Boards. 

Fee levels
non-executive directors receive an annual fee in respect of their 
memberships of the Boards of reed elsevier pLc, reed elsevier 
nV and reed elsevier Group plc. the fee paid to marike van  
Lier Lels, who serves only on the supervisory Board of reed 
elsevier nV, reflects her time commitment to that company and to 
other companies within the reed elsevier combined businesses. 
non-executive directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in 
attending meetings. they do not receive any performance-related 
bonuses, pension provision, share options or other forms of 
benefit, except for the following: the chairman is in receipt of 
private medical benefit and non-executive directors and the 
chairman are provided with tax filing support to meet any tax filing 
obligations arising from their directorships with reed elsevier in 
countries other than their home country.

Fees may be reviewed annually, although in practice they have 
changed on a less frequent basis. during 2011, fees were reviewed 
for non-executive directors, supervisory Board members and  
the chairman, taking account of market practice and general 
governance trends. prior to that, fees for non-executive directors 
and supervisory Board members had last been reviewed in 2007 
and increased with effect from 1 January 2008 although a 
separate fee for the senior independent director was introduced 
with effect from 1 January 2011.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

75

The changes in fees resulting from the 2011 review, which took 
effect on 1 January 2012, are set out in the table below. 

REED ELSEVIER NV v AEX – 5 YEARS

Chairman
Non-executive directors
Senior Independent Director
Chairman of: 
– Audit Committee
– Remuneration Committee

annual fee 2012

Annual fee 2011

£550,000

£500,000
£65,000/€80,000 £55,000/€75,000
£20,000

£20,000

£25,000/€30,000 £15,000/€20,000
£15,000

£20,000

The total annual fee payable to Marike van Lier Lels is €65,000 
(€48,000 in 2011). The Chairman of Reed Elsevier does not receive 
committee chairman fees. 

Total Shareholder Return graphs

As required by the Large and Medium-sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the graphs in 
this section show the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV 
total shareholder return performance, assuming dividends were 
reinvested. They compare the Reed Elsevier PLC performance 
with that achieved by the FTSE 100, and the Reed Elsevier NV 
performance with the performance achieved by the Euronext 
Amsterdam (AEX) Index, over the five-year period from  
31 December 2006 to 31 December 2011.

For the five-year period from 31 December 2006, the TSR for Reed 
Elsevier PLC was 7.1%, against a FTSE 100 return of 5.9%. For 
Reed Elsevier NV during the same period, TSR was minus 18.3% 
against an AEX Index return of minus 27%. Reed Elsevier PLC is a 
member of the FTSE 100 index and Reed Elsevier NV is a member 
of the AEX Index. Therefore, these indices are relevant.

REED ELSEVIER PLC v FTSE 100 – 5 YEARS

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier PLC

FTSE 100

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Reed Elsevier NV

AEX Index

For the purposes of the charts, the total shareholder return is 
calculated on the basis of the average share price in the 30 trading 
days prior to the respective year end and on the assumption that 
dividends were reinvested.

Remuneration and share tables

The information set out in this section forms part of the audited 
disclosures in this Report. For the purposes of the disclosures in 
this section, the average exchange rates for the relevant year have 
been used.

Directors’ emoluments and fees

aggregate emoluments
The emoluments of the directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV (including any entitlement to fees or emoluments 
from either Reed Elsevier Group plc or Elsevier Reed Finance BV) 
were as follows:

Salaries and fees 
Benefits 
Annual performance-related bonuses 
Payments for loss of office 
Pension contributions 
Total

2011
£’000

2,590
56
1,634
–
42
4,322

2010
£’000

3,324
97
2,351
499
43
6,314

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76

govERNaNCE
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Individual fees of non-executive directors

Mark Elliott
Anthony Habgood 
Adrian Hennah (from 20 April 2011)
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels (from 13 January 2010)
Robert Polet
Sir David Reid
Lord Sharman (until 20 April 2011)
Ben van der Veer 
Total

2011

£ **

2010

£ **

70,000
500,000*
38,475
55,000
41,739***
55,000
75,000
18,333
82,609***
936,156

70,000
500,000*
–
55,000
39,744
55,000
55,000
63,750
71,225
909,719

*Excludes private medical insurance benefit of £1,329 in respect of 2011 (£1,244 in 2010). 
** The above figures exclude an imputed notional benefit in respect of tax filing support provided to non-executive directors for tax filings in countries other than their home 

country resulting from their directorship with Reed Elsevier. The incremental assessable benefit charge per relevant tax return has been agreed by PwC to amount to £300.
*** The fees for Marike van Lier Lels and Ben van der Veer are paid in euro and were €48,000 and €95,000 respectively for 2011. For reporting purposes these were converted 

into pounds sterling at the average exchange rate for the year of reporting.

other required disclosures
No loans, advances or guarantees have been provided on behalf of any director.

The 2008-10 cycle of awards made under ESOS and LTIP lapsed for the executive directors as a result of performance conditions not 
being met. The executive directors made no notional pre-tax gains during 2011 on any multi-year incentives (also none in 2010).

Individual emoluments of executive directors

Erik Engstrom
Mark Armour
Total 

Salary
£

1,025,000
628,776
1,653,776

Benefits
£

28,492
22,988
51,480

Bonus
£

1,021,925
611,799
1,633,724

Total 2011
£

2,075,417
1,263,563
3,338,980

Total 2010
£

2,028,108
1,248,742
3,276,850

Market value options awarded under ESOS and restricted shares awarded in the year of reporting under the BIP are set out by executive 
director on pages 77-78. Vesting is subject to performance conditions relating to growth in adjusted EPS and ROIC as described in the 
front section of this Report. The maximum number of options that can vest under the ESOS and the maximum number of restricted 
shares that can vest under the BIP is equivalent to the awards granted. Erik Engstrom was the highest paid director in 2011.

Directors’ shareholdings in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier Nv
The interests of those individuals who were directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV as at 31 December 2011 in the issued 
share capital of the respective companies at the beginning and end of the year are shown below.

Mark Armour
Mark Elliott
Erik Engstrom
Anthony Habgood
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels
Robert Polet
Sir David Reid
Ben van der Veer

Reed Elsevier PLC
ordinary shares

Reed Elsevier NV
ordinary shares

1 January
2011*

31 December
2011

1 January
2011*

31 December
2011

248,742
–
107,040
50,000
–
–
–
–
–
–

248,742
–
107,040
50,000
5,163
–
–
1,000
–
–

136,889
–
383,450
25,000
–
–
–
–
–
1,298

136,889
7,600
447,356
25,000
–
–
–
–
–
5,000

*On date of appointment if subsequent to 1 January 2011.

There have been no changes in the interests of the directors in Reed Elsevier PLC or Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares at the date of  
this Report.

reed elsevier  annual reports and Financial statements 2011

77

Share-based awards in reed elsevier PLc and reed elsevier nv 
details of vested options (shown in orange) and unvested options and restricted shares held by executive directors in reed elsevier pLc 
(pLc) and reed elsevier nV (nV) as at 31 december 2011 are shown in the tables below. the shading in the tables denotes awards 
granted during the year of reporting. the vesting of outstanding unvested awards is subject to performance conditions in accordance 
with the provisions of the respective plan rules. For disclosure purposes, any pLc and nV adrs awarded under the Bip have been 
converted into ordinary share equivalents. at the date of this report there have been no changes in the options or restricted shares held 
by executive directors in office at 31 december 2011 other than those relating to the 2009-11 cycles of esos and Ltip as disclosed on 
pages 71 and 72. the market price at the date of award of grants made under the multi-year incentives are based on the middle market 
price of the respective security.

Erik Engstrom

oPTIonS

esos

Ltip

total pLc ords
total nV ords

no. of
options
held on
1 Jan
2011

63,460
43,866
154,517
105,412
178,895
120,198
143,000
94,000
146,923
95,399
–
–
325,163
224,766

Year of
grant

2004

2005

2006

2008

2009

2011

2004

option
over:

pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord

no. of
options
granted
during
2011

no. of
options
exercised
during
2011

market
price per
share at
exercise

Gross
gains
made on
exercise
£/€

option
price

£4.780
€10.30
£5.335
€11.31
£5.305
€11.47
£6.275
€12.21
£5.420
€9.415
£5.390
92,953 €8.969
£4.78
€10.30

139,146

1,011,958
683,641

139,146
92,953

no. of
shares
vested
during
2011

market
price per
share at
vesting

notional
gross
gains at
vesting
£/€

*Lapsed prior to the date of this report.

SHareS

Bip

Ltip

reGp

no. of
unvested
shares
held on
1 Jan
2011

140,378

68,500
45,000
103,902
67,465
643,086

no. of
shares
awarded
during
2011

market
price per
share at
award

€8.310
122,352 €8.969
£6.275
€12.21
£5.420
€9.415
£4.665

Year of
grant

2010
2011
2008

2009

2010

type of
security

nV ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord
nV ord
pLc ord

nV ord

422,310

€8.310

total pLc ords
total nV ords

815,488
675,153

122,352

*Lapsed prior to the date of this report.

no. of
options
held on
31 dec
2011

63,460
43,866
154,517
105,412
178,895
120,198
–
–
146,923
95,399
139,146
92,953
325,163
224,766

1,008,104
682,594

no. of
unvested
shares
held on
31 dec
2011

140,378
122,352
–
–
103,902
67,465
643,086

422,310

746,988
752,505

unvested
options
vesting on:

options
exercisable
until:

23 aug 2014
23 aug 2014
17 Feb 2015
17 Feb 2015
13 mar 2016
13 mar 2016
Lapsed
Lapsed
Lapsed*
Lapsed*
5 may 2014 5 may 2021
5 may 2014 5 may 2021
23 aug 2014
23 aug 2014

date of
vesting

H1 2013
H1 2014
Lapsed
Lapsed
Lapsed*
Lapsed*
50% H1 2013
50% H1 2015
50% H1 2013
50% H1 2015

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78

govERNaNCE
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Mark Armour

No. of
options
held on
1 Jan
2011

62,974
44,882
74,000
51,926
150,422
102,618
158,836
106,720
144,000
94,000
147,692
95,899
–
–
290,481
199,467
2,173

Year of
grant

2001

2002

2005

2006

2008

2009

2011

2004

2010

Option
over:

PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord

No. of
options
granted
during
2011

No. of
options
exercised
during
2011

Market
price per
share at
exercise

Gross
gains
made on
exercise
£/€

Option
price

£6.590
€14.75
£6.000
€13.94
£5.335
€11.31
£5.305
€11.47
£6.275
€12.21
£5.420
€9.415
£5.390
85,358
57,021 €8.969
£4.872
€10.57
£4.176

oPTIoNS 

ESOS

LTIP

SAYE

Total PLC ords
Total NV ords

No. of
shares
vested
during
2011

Market
price per
share at
vesting

Notional
gross
gains at
vesting
£/€

1,030,578
695,512

85,358
57,021

No. of
unvested
shares
held on
1 Jan
2011

65,054
42,512
–
–
67,000
44,000
76,397
49,605
394,495
259,062

602,946
395,179

No. of
shares
awarded
during
2011

Market
price per
share at
award

£4.665
€8.310
56,876
£5.390
37,687 €8.969
£6.275
€12.21
£5.420
€9.415
£4.665
€8.310

56,876
37,687

*Expired unexercised on 23 February 2011.
**Lapsed prior to the date of this Report.

SHaRES

BIP

LTIP

REGP

Year of
grant

2010

2011

2008

2009

2010

Type of
security

PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord

Total PLC ords
Total NV ords

**Lapsed prior to the date of this Report.

No. of 
options
held on
31 Dec
2011

–
–
74,000
51,926
150,422
102,618
158,836
106,720
–
–
147,692
95,899
85,358
57,021
290,481
199,467
2,173

908,962
613,651

No. of
unvested
shares
held on
31 Dec
2011

65,054
42,512
56,876
37,687
–
–
76,397
49,605
394,495
259,062

592,822
388,866

Unvested
options
vesting on:

Options
exercisable
until:

Expired*
Expired*
22 Feb 2012
22 Feb 2012
17 Feb 2015
17 Feb 2015
13 Mar 2016
13 Mar 2016
Lapsed
Lapsed
Lapsed**
Lapsed**

5 May 2014 5 May 2021
5 May 2014 5 May 2021
19 Feb 2014
19 Feb 2014
1 Aug 2013 1 Feb 2014

Date of
vesting

H1 2013
H1 2013
H1 2014
H1 2014
Lapsed
Lapsed
Lapsed**
Lapsed**
 H1 2013
 H1 2013

 
 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

79

Approved by the Board of Reed Elsevier Group plc on  
15 February 2012.

Mark Elliott
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Approved by the Board of Reed Elsevier PLC on  
15 February 2012.

Mark Elliott
Non-Executive Director

Approved by the Combined Board of Reed Elsevier NV  
on 15 February 2012.

Mark Elliott
Member of the Supervisory Board

other required disclosures in respect of share-based awards
The number of shares and options that vest in respect of all 
outstanding (unvested) awards under the multi-year incentives 
depend on the extent to which performance conditions are met. 

In respect of the REGP, the maximum number of shares that can 
vest is 150% of the number of shares shown in the tables above.  
In respect of ESOS and BIP, the number of awards shown in the 
table is the maximum capable of vesting. ESOS awards vest on  
the third anniversary and expire on the tenth anniversary of the 
date of grant. For LTIP, the number of shares shown in the share 
tables reflects the target award. 

Options under the SAYE scheme, in which all eligible UK 
employees are invited to participate, are granted at a maximum 
discount of 20% to the market price at time of grant. They are 
normally exercisable after the expiry of three or five years from 
the date of grant. No performance targets are attached to these 
option grants as the SAYE is an all-employee scheme.

The middle market price of a Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share  
at the date of award of grants in 2011 under the BIP was £5.39.  
The middle market price of a Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share  
at the date of award of grants in 2011 under the BIP was €8.969.

The middle market price of a Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share 
during the year was in the range of £4.613 to £5.905 and at  
31 December 2011 was £5.19. The middle market price of a Reed 
Elsevier NV ordinary share during the year was in the range of 
€7.588 to €10.27 and at 31 December 2011 was €9.007.

Dilution
At 31 December 2011, the estimated potential dilution over a 
ten-year period from awards over Reed Elsevier PLC shares 
under all share-based plans was 5.1% of the Reed Elsevier PLC 
share capital. The estimated potential dilution over the same 
period in respect of awards over Reed Elsevier NV shares was 
5.3% of the Reed Elsevier NV share capital at 31 December 2011. 
The estimated potential dilution in relation to executive 
share-based plans was 4.6% of the Reed Elsevier PLC and 5% of 
the Reed Elsevier NV share capital at 31 December 2011.

Employee Benefit Trust
Any securities required to satisfy entitlements under the REGP, 
LTIP and BIP are provided by the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) from 
market purchases. As a potential beneficiary under the EBT in the 
same way as other employees of Reed Elsevier, each executive 
director is deemed to be interested in all the shares held by the EBT 
which, at 31 December 2011, amounted to 14,051,025 Reed Elsevier 
PLC ordinary shares (1.12% of issued share capital) and 7,380,906 
Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares (0.96% of issued share capital). 
These numbers include ordinary share equivalents held in the 
form of Reed Elsevier PLC ADRs and Reed Elsevier NV ADRs.

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80

governance
RepoRt of the Audit Committees

Report of the Audit Committees

This report has been prepared by the audit committees of  
reed elsevier PLc and reed elsevier nv in conjunction with the 
audit committee of reed elsevier group plc (the committees) 
and has been approved by the respective Boards. It provides  
an overview of the membership, responsibilities and activities  
of the committees.

Membership
the Committees each comprise at least three independent 
non-executive directors. the members of each of the Committees 
that served during the year are: Ben van der Veer (Chairman of the 
Committees), Lisa hook, sir david Reid, Lord sharman (until his 
retirement in April 2011) and Adrian hennah (from appointment  
in April 2011). sir david Reid and Adrian hennah, both uK 
chartered accountants, and Ben van der Veer, a registered 
accountant in  
the Netherlands, are considered to have significant, recent and 
relevant financial experience. Biographies of the members of each 
of the Committees are set out on pages 52 and 53 and details of the 
number of meetings attended by each of the members are 
provided on page 58.

Appointments to the Committees are made on the 
recommendation of the Nominations Committee and are for 
periods of up to three years, extendable by no more than two 
additional three-year periods, so long as the member continues  
to be independent. details of the remuneration policy in respect  
of members of the Committees and the remuneration paid to 
members for the year ended 31 december 2011 are set out in the 
directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 63 to 79.

responsibilities
the main role and responsibilities of the Committees in relation to 
the respective companies are set out in written terms of reference 
and include:

(i) 

to monitor the integrity of the financial statements of the 
company, and any formal announcements relating to the 
company’s financial performance, reviewing significant 
financial reporting judgements contained therein; 

(ii) 

to review the company’s internal financial controls and the 
company’s internal control and risk management systems; 

(iii)  to monitor and review the effectiveness of the company’s 

internal audit function;

(iv)  to make recommendations in relation to the appointment of 

the external auditor and to approve the remuneration and 
terms of engagement of the external auditor; 

(v) 

to review and monitor the external auditors’ independence 
and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process, 
taking into consideration relevant professional and 
regulatory requirements; and 

(vi)  to develop and recommend policy on the engagement of the 
external auditor to supply non audit services and to monitor 
compliance.

the Committees report to the respective Boards on their activities 
identifying any matters in respect of which they consider that 
action or improvement is needed and making recommendations 
as to the steps to be taken.

the Reed elsevier Group plc Audit Committee fulfils this role in 
respect of the publishing and information operating business.  
the functions of an audit committee in respect of the financing 
activities are carried out by the supervisory Board of elsevier 
Reed finance BV. the Reed elsevier pLC and Reed elsevier NV 
Audit Committees fulfil their roles from the perspective of the 
parent companies and both Committees have access to the 
reports to and the work of the Reed elsevier Group plc Audit 
Committee and the elsevier Reed finance BV supervisory Board 
in this respect.

the Committees have explicit authority to investigate any matters 
within their terms of reference and have access to all resources 
and information that they may require for this purpose.

the terms of reference of each Audit Committee are reviewed 
annually and a copy of each is published on the Reed elsevier 
website, www.reedelsevier.com. 

Principal activities
the Committees hold meetings five times a year: in January, 
february, June, July and december, and reports on these meetings 
are made to the respective Boards at the next board meetings. the 
principal business of these meetings typically includes:

– January: review of critical accounting policies and practices,  

and significant financial reporting issues and judgements arising 
in connection with the annual financial statements, including 
appropriateness of the going concern assumption; review of  
risk management activities, compliance and internal control 
effectiveness; reviewing and approving the internal audit plan; 
review of internal audit findings; review of the Reed elsevier 
policy on auditor independence and the fees paid to the external 
auditor for audit and non audit services; review of information 
technology security;

– february: review of external audit findings; review and 

recommending for approval to the Boards of annual financial 
statements, results announcement, annual report on  
form 20-f and related formal statements; review of treasury 
policy compliance;

– June: monitoring and assessing the qualification, performance, 

expertise, resources, objectivity and independence of the 
external auditors and the effectiveness of the external audit 
process; agreeing the external audit plan; reviewing significant 
financial reporting issues and judgements arising in connection 
with the interim financial statements; review of significant 
external financial reporting and regulatory developments; 
review of tax policies: review of compliance activities; review  
of report from external auditors on control matters; review of 
internal audit findings; 

– July: review of critical accounting policies and practices, and 
significant financial reporting issues and judgements arising  
in connection with the interim financial statements, including 
appropriateness of the going concern assumption; review of 
external audit findings; review and recommending for approval 
to the Boards of the interim financial statements, results 
announcement and related formal statements; review of risk 
management activities and internal audit findings; review and 
approval of the external audit engagement letters; review of 
estimated external audit fees; 

reed elsevier  Annual Reports and financial statements 2011

81

– december: review of year end financial reporting and accounting 

(v)  reviewed and approved the internal audit plan for 2011  

issues; review of significant external financial reporting and 
regulatory developments; review of external audit findings to 
date; review of internal audit findings; review of the terms of 
reference and effectiveness of internal audit; review of the terms 
of reference of the Audit Committees.

the Audit Committee meetings are typically attended by the Chief 
financial officer, the Reed elsevier Group plc group financial 
controller, chief risk officer and director of internal audit, and  
audit partners of the external auditors. Additionally, the managing 
director and senior representatives of the external auditors of 
elsevier Reed finance BV attend the July and february meetings 
of the parent company Audit Committees. At least one meeting 
each year, the Committees meet separately with the external 
auditors without management present. At least once annually, the 
Chairman of the Audit Committee meets separately with the Reed 
elsevier Group plc chief risk officer and director of internal audit. 

in discharging their principal responsibilities in respect of the 2011 
financial year, the Committees have:

(i) 

received and discussed reports from the Reed elsevier Group 
plc group financial controller that set out areas of significance 
in the preparation of the financial statements, including: 
review of the carrying values of goodwill and intangible 
assets for possible impairment, review of estimated useful 
lives of intangible assets, accounting for pensions and related 
assumptions, accounting for share based remuneration  
and related assumptions, review of the carrying value of 
investments, accounting treatment for acquisitions and 
disposals and business restructuring, application of revenue 
recognition and cost capitalisation policies, review of tax 
reserves and provisions for lease obligations, and the  
use of the going concern basis in the preparation of the 
financial statements. 

(ii)  reviewed the critical accounting policies and compliance  

with applicable accounting standards and other disclosure 
requirements and received regular update reports on 
accounting and regulatory developments.

(iii)  received and discussed regular reports on the management 
of material risks and reviewed the effectiveness of the 
systems of internal control. As part of this review, detailed 
internal control evaluation and certification is obtained from 
management across the operating businesses, reviewed by 
internal audit and discussed with the Committees.

(iv)  received and discussed regular reports from the Reed 

elsevier Group plc chief risk officer and director of internal 
audit summarising the status of the Reed elsevier risk 
management activities and the findings from internal audit 
reviews and the actions agreed with management. Areas of 
focus in 2011 included: project management of development 
spend, particularly in relation to the significant product and 
infrastructure investment in the us legal business; 
acquisition integration activities; regulatory compliance and 
review of information security including the management of 
data privacy; business continuity planning; and continued 
compliance with the requirements of section 404 of the us 
sarbanes-oxley Act relating to the documentation and 
testing of internal controls over financial reporting.

and monitored execution, including progress in respect of 
recommendations made. Reviewed the resources, budget 
and effectiveness of the internal audit function.

(vi)  received presentations from the Reed elsevier Group plc  

vice president compliance on the compliance programmes, 
including the operation of Reed elsevier’s codes of conduct, 
training programmes, whistleblowing arrangements and 
procedures in respect of the uK Bribery Act requirements; 
from the Reed elsevier inc. general counsel on the 
management of data privacy, security and compliance; and 
from the Reed elsevier Group plc it security officer on 
information technology security.

(vii)  received updates from the Reed elsevier Group plc group 

treasurer on pension arrangements and funding, compliance 
with treasury policies and risk management, and on global 
insurance arrangements.

(viii) received a presentation from the Reed elsevier Group plc 
head of group taxation on tax policies and related matters.

(ix)  received regular updates from the chief financial officer on 

developments within the finance function.

(x)  received presentations on a rotational basis from the chief 
financial officers of major businesses on the priorities for 
the finance functions of those businesses and the risk 
management and internal control activities.

the external auditors have attended all meetings of the 
Committees. they have provided written reports at the february, 
June, July and december meetings summarising the most 
significant findings from their audit work. these reports have been 
discussed by the Committees and actions agreed where necessary.

external audit effectiveness
the Audit Committees have the delegated responsibility for 
reviewing the effectiveness of the external audit and overseeing 
the independence and objectivity of the auditors. Reed elsevier 
has a well established policy on audit effectiveness and 
independence of auditors that sets out inter alia: the 
responsibilities of each Audit Committee in the selection of 
auditors to be proposed for appointment or reappointment at the 
respective annual general meeting and for agreement on the 
terms of their engagement and the scope of the annual audit; the 
auditor independence requirements and the policy on the 
provision of non audit services; the rotation of audit partners and 
staff; and the conduct of meetings between the auditors and the 
Audit Committees. the policy is available on the Reed elsevier 
website, www.reedelsevier.com. 

the auditors are precluded from engaging in non audit services 
that would compromise their independence or violate any 
professional requirements or regulations affecting their 
appointment as auditors. in general, the auditors may not provide 
a service which creates a mutuality of interest; places the auditor 
in a position to audit their own work; results in the auditor acting in 
a capacity akin to that of a company manager or employee; or puts 
the auditor in the role of advocate for the company. the policy sets 
out specific services that may not be provided by the auditors.  
the auditors may, however, provide non audit services which do 

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82

governance
RepoRt of the Audit Committees

not conflict with their independence, and where their skills and 
experience make them a logical supplier of the services, subject to 
pre-approval by the Audit Committee. the Committees have, each 
quarter, reviewed and agreed the non audit services provided in 
2011, together with the associated fees which are set out in note 3 
to the combined financial statements. the non audit services 
provided were in the areas of tax compliance, due diligence and 
other transaction related services.

the external auditors are required to rotate the lead audit 
partners responsible for the audit engagements every five years. 
the lead engagement partner for Reed elsevier pLC has now 
completed his third year of auditing Reed elsevier’s financial 
statements and the lead engagement partner for Reed elsevier 
NV has completed two years. Any decision to open the audit to 
tender is taken only on the recommendation of the Committees. 
the external auditors have confirmed their independence  
and compliance with the Reed elsevier policy on auditor 
independence.

the Committees conducted an annual review during 2011 of the 
performance of the external auditors and the effectiveness of the 
external audit process for the year ended 31 december 2010. As 
part of this process, the Committees reviewed the report on the 
external auditors by the Audit inspection unit of the uK financial 
Reporting Council issued in June 2011. Based on these reviews, 
and on their subsequent observations on the planning and 
execution of the external audit for the year ended 31 december 
2011, the Committees have recommended to the respective 
Boards that resolutions for the reappointment of the external 
auditors be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General 
meetings. deloitte LLp and deloitte Accountants BV or their 
predecessor deloitte firms were first appointed respectively 
auditors of Reed elsevier pLC and Reed elsevier NV for the 
financial year ended 31 december 1994. in addition to the annual 
review of the performance of the external auditors and the 
effectiveness of the audit process, at least every four years the 
Committees will consider whether the objectives of the audit 
would be better served through a formal tender process for the 
auditor appointment.

the effectiveness of the operation of the Audit Committees was 
reviewed as part of the effectiveness review of the Boards in  
february 2012.

Ben van der veer
Chairman of the Audit Committees

15 february 2012

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

83

Financial 
statements 
and other 
information

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In this section 
84 Combined financial statements
88 Accounting policies
94 Notes to the combined  
financial statements

122 Independent auditors’ report
123 Summary combined financial 

information in euros

137 Reed Elsevier PLC Annual Report and 

Financial Statements

161 Reed Elsevier NV Annual Report and 

Financial Statements

185 Additional information for US investors

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84

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
COmBINEd FINANCIAL StAtEmENtS

Combined income statement

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Administration and other expenses

Operating profit before joint ventures
Share of results of joint ventures
operating profit

Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs
disposals and other non operating items

Profit before tax
taxation
net profit for the year

Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
net profit for the year

Note

1

2

7
7

8

9

Combined statement of comprehensive income

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

net profit for the year

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
transfer to net profit from hedge reserve (net of tax)
tax recognised directly in equity
other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year
total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
total comprehensive income for the year

Note

5

18
9

2011
£m

6,002
(2,126)

3,876
(1,075)
(1,626)

1,175
30
1,205

17
(252)
(235)
(22)

948
(181)
767

760
7
767

2011
£m

767

32
(113)
(1)
(24)
37
42
(27)
740

733
7
740

2010
£m

6,055
(2,209)

3,846
(1,091)
(1,687)

1,068
22
1,090

8
(284)
(276)
(46)

768
(120)
648

642
6
648

2010
£m

648

94 
(63)
–
(58)
46
29
48
696

690
6
696

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Combined statement of cash flows

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Interest received
tax paid (net)
net cash from operating activities

cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Expenditure on internally developed intangible assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
Net proceeds from other disposals
dividends received from joint ventures
net cash used in investing activities

cash flows from financing activities
dividends paid to shareholders of the parent companies
distributions to non-controlling interests
Increase/(decrease) in short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Repayment of other loans
Repayment of finance leases
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares
net cash used in financing activities

Note

11

11

85

2011
£m

2010
£m

1,735
(247)
12
(218)
1,282

(481)
(85)
(265)
(10)
7
80
33
(721)

(497)
(9)
210
(248)
(22)
(48)
9
(605)

1,649
(295)
8
(9)
1,353

(50)
(83)
(228)
(5)
7
6 
24
(329)

(483)
(8)
(143)
(394)
(7)
–
11
(1,024)

decrease in cash and cash equivalents

11

(44)

–

movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange translation differences
at end of year

742
(44)
28
726

734
–
8
742

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86

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
COmBINEd FINANCIAL StAtEmENtS

Combined statement of financial position

as at 31 dEcEmBER

non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures
Other investments
Property, plant and equipment
Net pension assets
deferred tax assets

current assets
Inventories and pre-publication costs
trade and other receivables
derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

assets held for sale
total assets

current liabilities
trade and other payables
derivative financial instruments
Borrowings
taxation
Provisions

non-current liabilities
Borrowings
deferred tax liabilities
Net pension obligations
Provisions

liabilities associated with assets held for sale
total liabilities
net assets

capital and reserves
Combined share capitals
Combined share premiums
Combined shares held in treasury
translation reserve
Other combined reserves
combined shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
total equity

Note

14
15
16
16
17
5
19

20
21

11

22

23

24

26

24
19
5
26

22

28
28
28

29

2011
£m

4,729
3,494
124
64
288
–
212
8,911

190
1,483
149
726
2,548
44
11,503

2,657
69
982
677
39
4,424

3,300
1,236
242
87
4,865
17
9,306
2,197

223
2,723
(663)
88
(199)
2,172
25
2,197

2010
£m

4,441
3,457
136
48
291
55
151
8,579

228
1,475
134
742
 2,579
–
11,158

2,584
80
516
646
71
3,897

3,786
1,192
225
88
5,291
–
9,188
1,970

224
2,754
(677)
29
(387)
1,943
27
1,970

 
 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Combined statement of changes in equity

Balance at 1 January 2010
total comprehensive income 

for the year
dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares,  
net of expenses
decrease in share based 
remuneration reserve

Settlement of share awards
Exchange differences on 
translation of capital  
and reserves

Balance at 1 January 2011
total comprehensive income 

for the year
dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares,  
net of expenses
Increase in share based 

remuneration reserve

Acquisitions
Acquisition of 

non-controlling interests

Settlement of share awards
Exchange differences on 
translation of capital  
and reserves

Balance at 31 december 2011

note

13

13

combined 
share 
capitals
£m

combined 
share 
premiums
£m

combined 
shares held 
in treasury
£m

translation 
reserve
£m

other 
combined 
reserves
£m

combined 
shareholders’
equity
£m

non-
controlling 
interests
£m

225

2,807

(698)

(100)

(502)

1,732

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

11

–
–

–
–

–

–
9

(1)

224

(64)

2,754

12

(677)

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

9

–
–

–
–

(1)

223

(40)

2 ,723

–
–

–

–
–

–
7

7

(663)

94
–

–

–
–

35

29

32
–

–

–
–

–
–

27

88

596
(483)

690
(483)

–

(7)
(9)

11

(7)
–

18

–

(387)

1,943

701
(497)

733
(497)

–

27
–

(43)
(7)

9

27
–

(43)
–

7

–

(199)

2,172

27

6
(8)

–

–
–

2

27

7
(9)

–

–
5

(5)
–

–

25

87

total 
equity
£m

1,759

696
(491)

11

(7)
–

2

1,970

740
(506)

9

27
5

(48)
–

–

2,197

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88

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
ACCOUNtING POLICIES

Accounting policies

the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements are prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as endorsed by the European Union and as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). the combined 
financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, as 
explained on pages 60 and 61.

Adjusted operating profits are also grossed up to exclude the 
equity share of taxes in joint ventures. Adjusted operating cash 
flow is measured after dividends from joint ventures and net 
capital expenditure, but before payments in relation to exceptional 
restructuring and acquisition related costs. Reconciliations 
between reported and adjusted figures are provided in note 10.

the Reed Elsevier accounting policies under IFRS are set out below.

Basis of preparation
the equalisation agreement between Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV has the effect that their shareholders can be regarded 
as having the interests of a single economic group. the Reed 
Elsevier combined financial statements (“the combined financial 
statements”) represent the combined interests of both sets of 
shareholders and encompass the businesses of Reed Elsevier 
Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV and their respective 
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, together with the  
two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV 
(“the combined businesses”).

In preparing the combined financial statements, subsidiaries of 
Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV are 
accounted for under the purchase method and investments in 
associates and joint ventures are accounted for under the equity 
method. All transactions and balances between the combined 
businesses are eliminated.

On acquisition of a subsidiary, or interest in an associate or joint 
venture, fair values, reflecting conditions at the date of acquisition, 
are attributed to the net assets, including identifiable intangible 
assets acquired. this includes those adjustments made to bring 
accounting policies into line with those of the combined 
businesses. the results of subsidiaries sold or acquired are 
included in the combined financial statements up to or from the 
date that control passes from or to the combined businesses.

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of the combined 
businesses are identified separately from combined 
shareholders’ equity. Non-controlling interests consist of the 
amount of those interests at the date of the original acquisition  
and the non-controlling share of changes in equity since the date 
of acquisition.

these financial statements form part of the statutory information 
to be provided by Reed Elsevier NV, but are not for a legal entity 
and do not include all the information required to be disclosed by a 
company in its financial statements under the UK Companies Act 
2006 or the dutch Civil Code. Additional information is given in the 
Annual Reports and Financial Statements of the parent companies 
set out on pages 137 to 184. A list of principal businesses is set out 
on page 194.

In addition to the figures required to be reported by applicable 
accounting standards, adjusted profit and operating cash flow 
figures have been presented as additional performance 
measures. Adjusted figures are shown before amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets, exceptional restructuring and 
acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non 
operating items, related tax effects and movements in deferred 
taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise 
in the near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where 
available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. 

Foreign exchange translation
the combined financial statements are presented in pounds 
sterling. Additional information providing a translation into euros 
of the primary Reed Elsevier combined financial statements and 
selected notes is presented on pages 123 to 136.

transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of 
exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. At each 
statement of financial position date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rate prevailing on the statement of financial 
position date. Exchange differences arising are recorded in the 
income statement other than where hedge accounting applies  
as set out below.

Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at 
exchange rates prevailing on the statement of financial position 
date. Income and expense items and cash flows of foreign 
operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the 
period. Significant individual items of income and expense and 
cash flows in foreign operations are translated at the rate 
prevailing on the date of transaction. Exchange differences arising 
are classified as equity and transferred to the translation reserve. 
When foreign operations are disposed of, the related cumulative 
translation differences are recognised within the income 
statement in the period.

Reed Elsevier uses derivative financial instruments, primarily 
forward contracts, to hedge its exposure to certain foreign 
exchange risks. details of Reed Elsevier’s accounting policies  
in respect of derivative financial instruments are set out below.

Revenue
Revenue represents the invoiced value of sales less anticipated 
returns on transactions completed by performance, excluding 
customer sales taxes and sales between the combined 
businesses.

Revenues are recognised for the various categories of turnover  
as follows: subscriptions – on periodic despatch of subscribed 
product or rateably over the period of the subscription where 
performance is not measurable by despatch; circulation and 
transactional – on despatch or occurrence of the transaction; 
advertising – on publication or over the period of online display; 
and exhibitions – on occurrence of the exhibition.

Where sales consist of two or more independent components 
whose value can be reliably measured, revenue is recognised  
on each component as it is completed by performance, based on 
attribution of relative value.

Employee benefits
the expense of defined benefit pension schemes and other 
post-retirement employee benefits is determined using the 
projected unit credit method and charged in the income statement 
as an operating expense, based on actuarial assumptions 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

89

reflecting market conditions at the beginning of the financial year. 
Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the statement 
of comprehensive income in the period in which they occur.

Past service costs are recognised immediately to the extent that 
benefits have vested, or, if not vested, on a straight line basis over 
the period until the benefits vest.

Net pension obligations in respect of defined benefit schemes are 
included in the statement of financial position at the present value 
of scheme liabilities, less the fair value of scheme assets. Where 
schemes are in surplus, i.e. assets exceed liabilities, the net 
pension assets are separately included in the statement of 
financial position. Any net pension asset is limited to the extent 
that the asset is recoverable through reductions in future 
contributions.

the expense of defined contribution pension schemes and other 
employee benefits is charged in the income statement as incurred.

share based remuneration
the fair value of share based remuneration is determined at the 
date of grant and recognised as an expense in the income 
statement on a straight line basis over the vesting period, taking 
account of the estimated number of shares that are expected to 
vest. market based performance criteria are taken into account 
when determining the fair value at the date of grant. Non-market 
based performance criteria are taken into account when 
estimating the number of shares expected to vest. the fair value of 
share based remuneration is determined by use of a binomial or 
monte Carlo simulation model as appropriate. All Reed Elsevier’s 
share based remuneration is equity settled.

Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of an asset that takes a substantial 
period of time to bring to use are capitalised. All other interest  
on borrowings is expensed as incurred. the cost of issuing 
borrowings is generally expensed over the period of borrowing  
so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge.

taxation
the tax expense represents the sum of the tax payable on the 
current year taxable profits, adjustments in respect of prior year 
taxable profits, and the movements on deferred tax that are 
recognised in the income statement.

the tax payable on current year taxable profits is calculated using 
the applicable tax rates that have been enacted, or substantively 
enacted, by the date of the statement of financial position.

deferred tax is the tax arising on differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and 
their corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable 
profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability 
method. deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for  
all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that, based on current forecasts,  
it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised. deferred tax  
is not recognised on temporary differences arising in respect  
of goodwill that is not deductible for tax purposes.

deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
substantively enacted at the date of the statement of financial 
position. Full provision is made for deferred tax which would 
become payable on the distribution of retained profits from foreign 
subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures.

movements in deferred tax are charged or credited in the income 
statement, except when they relate to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised 
in equity. deferred tax credits in respect of share based 
remuneration are recognised in equity to the extent that expected 
tax deductions exceed the related expense.

Goodwill
On the acquisition of a subsidiary or business, the purchase 
consideration is allocated between the net tangible and intangible 
assets on a fair value basis, with any excess purchase consideration 
representing goodwill. Goodwill arising on acquisitions also 
includes amounts corresponding to deferred tax liabilities 
recognised in respect of acquired intangible assets.

Goodwill is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment  
at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in  
the income statement and not subsequently reversed.

On disposal of a subsidiary or business, the attributable amount  
of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss  
on disposal.

Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are 
stated in the statement of financial position at their fair value as at 
the date of acquisition, less accumulated amortisation. Internally 
generated intangible assets are stated in the statement of 
financial position at the directly attributable cost of creation  
of the asset, less accumulated amortisation.

Intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations 
comprise: market related assets (e.g. trademarks, imprints, 
brands); customer related assets (e.g. subscription bases, 
customer lists, customer relationships); editorial content; 
software and systems (e.g. application infrastructure, product 
delivery platforms, in-process research and development); 
contract based assets (e.g. publishing rights, exhibition rights, 
supply contracts); and other intangible assets. Internally 
generated intangible assets typically comprise software and 
systems development where an identifiable asset is created that  
is probable to generate future economic benefits.

Intangible assets, other than brands and imprints determined  
to have indefinite lives, are amortised systematically over their 
estimated useful lives. the estimated useful lives of intangible 
assets with finite lives are as follows: market and customer 
related assets – 3 to 40 years; content, software and other 
acquired intangible assets – 3 to 20 years; and internally 
developed intangible assets – 3 to 10 years. Brands and imprints 
determined to have indefinite lives are not amortised and are 
subject to impairment review at least annually.

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90

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
ACCOUNtING POLICIES

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated in the statement of 
financial position at cost less accumulated depreciation. No 
depreciation is provided on freehold land. Freehold buildings and 
long leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives up to 
a maximum of 50 years. Short leases are written off over the 
duration of the lease. depreciation is provided on other assets  
on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows: 
leasehold improvements – shorter of life of lease and 10 years; 
plant – 3 to 20 years; office furniture, fixtures and fittings – 5 to 10 
years; computer systems, communication networks and 
equipment – 3 to 7 years.

Investments
Investments, other than investments in joint ventures and 
associates, are stated in the statement of financial position at  
fair value. Investments held as part of the venture capital portfolio 
are classified as held for trading, with changes in fair value 
reported through the income statement. All other investments  
are classified as available for sale with changes in fair value 
recognised directly in equity until the investment is disposed of or 
is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or 
loss previously recognised in equity is brought into the net profit or 
loss for the period. All items recognised in the income statement 
relating to investments, other than investments in joint ventures 
and associates, are reported as non operating items.

Available for sale investments and venture capital investments 
held for trading represent investments in listed and unlisted 
securities. the fair value of listed securities is determined based 
on quoted market prices, and of unlisted securities on 
management’s estimate of fair value based on standard valuation 
techniques, including market comparisons and discounts of future 
cash flows, having regard to maximising the use of observable 
inputs and adjusting for risk. Independent valuation experts are 
used as appropriate.

Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for 
under the equity method and stated in the statement of financial 
position at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in Reed 
Elsevier’s share of net assets, less any impairment in value.

Impairment
At each statement of financial position date, reviews are carried 
out of the carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets and 
goodwill to determine whether there is any indication that those 
assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication 
exists, the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use 
and fair value less costs to sell, of the asset is estimated in order  
to determine the extent, if any, of the impairment loss. Where the 
asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from 
other assets, value in use estimates are made based on the cash 
flows of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. 
Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are tested for 
impairment at least annually and whenever there is any indication 
that the asset may be impaired.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is 
estimated to be less than its net carrying amount, the net carrying 
amount of the asset or cash generating unit is reduced to its 
recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised 
immediately in the income statement in administration and  
other expenses.

Inventories and pre-publication costs
Inventories and pre-publication costs are stated at the lower of 
cost, including appropriate attributable overhead, and estimated 
net realisable value. Pre-publication costs, representing costs 
incurred in the origination of content prior to publication, are 
expensed systematically reflecting the expected sales profile  
over the estimated economic lives of the related products, 
generally up to five years.

leases
Assets held under leases which confer rights and obligations 
similar to those attaching to owned assets are classified as assets 
held under finance leases and capitalised within property, plant 
and equipment or software and the corresponding liability to  
pay rentals is shown net of interest in the statement of financial 
position as obligations under finance leases. the capitalised value 
of the assets is depreciated on a straight line basis over the 
shorter of the periods of the leases or the useful lives of the  
assets concerned. the interest element of the lease payments  
is allocated so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge.

Operating lease rentals are charged to the income statement  
on a straight line basis over the period of the leases. Rental income 
from operating leases is recognised on a straight line basis over 
the term of the relevant lease.

cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits 
and other short term highly liquid investments and are held in the 
statement of financial position at fair value.

assets held for sale
Assets of businesses that are available for immediate sale in their 
current condition and for which a sales process has been initiated 
are classified as assets held for sale, and are carried at the lower of 
amortised cost and fair value less costs to sell. Non-current assets 
are not amortised or depreciated following their classification as 
held for sale. Liabilities of businesses held for sale are also 
separately classified on the statement of financial position.

Financial instruments
Financial instruments comprise investments (other than 
investments in joint ventures or associates), trade receivables, 
cash and cash equivalents, payables and accruals, provisions, 
borrowings and derivative financial instruments.

Investments (other than investments in joint ventures and 
associates) are classified as either held for trading or available  
for sale, as described above. (these investments are classified  
as either Level 1 or 2 in the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy.)

trade receivables are carried in the statement of financial position 
at invoiced value less allowance for estimated irrecoverable 
amounts. Irrecoverable amounts are estimated based on the 
ageing of trade receivables, experience and circumstance.

Borrowings (other than fixed rate borrowings in designated 
hedging relationships and for which the carrying value is adjusted 
to reflect changes in the fair value of the hedged risk), payables, 
accruals and provisions are recorded initially at fair value and 
subsequently at amortised cost.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

91

derivative financial instruments are used to hedge interest rate 
and foreign exchange risks. Changes in the fair value of derivative 
financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges 
of future cash flows are recognised (net of tax) directly in equity in 
the hedge reserve. If a hedged firm commitment or forecasted 
transaction results in the recognition of a non financial asset or 
liability, then, at the time that the asset or liability is recognised, 
the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had previously 
been recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement 
of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in the 
recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity  
are recognised in the income statement in the same period in which 
the hedged item affects net profit or loss. Any ineffective portion  
of hedges is recognised immediately in the income statement.

derivative financial instruments that are not designated as 
hedging instruments are classified as held for trading and 
recorded in the statement of financial position at fair value, with 
changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.

Where an effective hedge is in place against changes in the fair 
value of fixed rate borrowings, the hedged borrowings are 
adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the risk being 
hedged with a corresponding income or expense included in the 
income statement within finance costs. the offsetting gains or 
losses from remeasuring the fair value of the related derivatives 
are also recognised in the income statement within finance costs. 
When the related derivative expires, is sold or terminated, or no 
longer qualifies for hedge accounting, the cumulative change in 
fair value of the hedged borrowing is amortised in the income 
statement over the period to maturity of the borrowing using the 
effective interest method.

the fair values of interest rate swaps, interest rate options, 
forward rate agreements and forward foreign exchange contracts 
represent the replacement costs calculated using observable 
market rates of interest and exchange. the fair value of long term 
borrowings is calculated by discounting expected future cash 
flows at observable market rates. (these instruments are 
accordingly classified as Level 2 in the IFRS 7 fair value hierarchy.)

Cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging 
instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no 
longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative 
gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is 
either retained in equity until the firm commitment or forecasted 
transaction occurs, or, where a hedged transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, is immediately credited or expensed in the 
income statement.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when a present obligation exists as a 
result of a past event, the obligation is reasonably estimable and  
it is probable that settlement will be required. Provisions are 
measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to 
settle the obligation at the statement of financial position date.

shares held in treasury
Shares of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV that are 
repurchased by the respective parent companies and not 
cancelled are classified as shares held in treasury. the 
consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is 
recognised as a deduction from equity. Shares of the parent 
companies that are purchased by the Reed Elsevier Group plc 

Employee Benefit trust are also classified as shares held in 
treasury, with the cost recognised as a deduction from equity.

critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
the most significant accounting policies in determining the 
financial condition and results of the Reed Elsevier combined 
businesses, and those requiring the most subjective or complex 
judgement, relate to the valuation of goodwill and intangible 
assets, share based remuneration, pensions, litigation, taxation, 
and property provisioning.

Goodwill and intangibles
On acquisition of a subsidiary or business, the purchase 
consideration is allocated between the net tangible and intangible 
assets other than goodwill on a fair value basis, with any excess 
purchase consideration representing goodwill. the valuation of 
acquired intangible assets represents the estimated economic 
value in use, using standard valuation methodologies, including  
as appropriate, discounted cash flow, relief from royalty and 
comparable market transactions. Acquired intangible assets  
are capitalised and amortised systematically over their estimated 
useful lives, subject to impairment review. 

Appropriate amortisation periods are selected based on 
assessments of the longevity of the brands and imprints, the 
strength and stability of customer relationships, the market 
positions of the acquired assets and the technological and 
competitive risks that they face. Certain intangible assets in 
relation to acquired science and medical publishing businesses 
have been determined to have indefinite lives. the longevity of 
these assets is evidenced by their long established and well 
regarded brands and imprints, and their characteristically  
stable market positions.

the carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible 
assets in each business are reviewed for impairment at least 
annually. the carrying amounts of all other intangible assets are 
reviewed where there are indications of possible impairment.  
An impairment review involves a comparison of the carrying  
value of the asset with estimated values in use based on latest 
management cash flow projections. Key areas of judgement in 
estimating the values in use of businesses are the growth in cash 
flows over a five-year forecast period, the long term growth rate 
assumed thereafter and the discount rate applied to the forecast 
cash flows.

the discount rates used are based on the Reed Elsevier weighted 
average cost of capital, adjusted to reflect a risk premium specific 
to each business. the pre-tax discount rates applied are 11.5% for 
Elsevier, 12.0% for LexisNexis Risk Solutions, 12.0% for 
LexisNexis Legal & Professional, 12.0-12.5% for Reed Exhibitions 
and 11.5-13.0% for Reed Business Information. the nominal long 
term growth rates, which are based on historical growth rates and 
the growth prospects for businesses, do not exceed 3%. there 
were no charges for impairment of acquired intangible assets  
and goodwill in 2011 (2010: nil).

A sensitivity analysis has been performed based on changes  
in key assumptions considered to be reasonably possible by 
management: an increase in the discount rate of 0.5%; a decrease 
in the compound annual growth rate for adjusted operating cash 
flow in the five-year forecast period of 2.0%; and a decrease in 
perpetuity growth rates of 0.5%. the sensitivity analysis shows 
that no impairment charges would result under any of the 

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92

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
ACCOUNtING POLICIES

sensitivity scenarios. Further information is provided in note 14 to 
the combined financial statements.

Share based remuneration
Share based remuneration is determined based on the fair value 
of an award at the date of grant, and is spread over the vesting 
period on a straight line basis, taking into account the number of 
shares that are expected to vest. the fair value of awards is 
determined at the date of grant by use of a binomial or monte Carlo 
simulation model as appropriate, which requires judgements to 
be made regarding share price volatility, dividend yield, risk free 
rates of return and expected option lives. the number of awards 
that are expected to vest requires judgements to be made 
regarding forfeiture rates and the extent to which performance 
conditions will be met. the assumptions are determined in 
conjunction with independent actuaries based on historical  
data and trends. 

Provisions for liabilities are recognised when it is probable that a 
settlement is required. Although the outcome of legal proceedings 
is uncertain, the ultimate resolution of such matters is not 
expected to have a material impact on results.

Taxation
Reed Elsevier is subject to tax in numerous jurisdictions, giving 
rise to complex tax issues that require management to exercise 
judgment in making tax determinations. While Reed Elsevier is 
confident that tax returns are appropriately prepared and filed, the 
application of tax law and practice is subject to some uncertainty 
and amounts are provided in respect of this. Issues are raised 
during the course of regular tax audits and discussions including 
on the deductibility of interest in the US on certain cross-border 
financing are ongoing. Although the outcome of open items cannot 
be predicted, no material impact on results is expected from  
such issues.

the assumptions of share price volatility of 29%, of expected share 
option life of four years, and of expected lapse rate of 2-5% are 
based on relevant historical data. Other judgements made on 
grant are based on market data. Assumptions as to future 
performance against non market related vesting conditions are 
based on management estimates. the charge for share based  
and related remuneration was £27m in 2011 (2010: £11m). Further 
information is provided in note 6 to the combined financial 
statements.

Pensions
Accounting for defined benefit pension schemes involves 
judgement about uncertain events, including the life expectancy  
of the members, salary and pension increases, inflation, the 
return on scheme assets and the rate at which the future  
pension payments are discounted. Estimates for these factors  
are used in determining the pension cost and liabilities reported  
in the financial statements. these best estimates of future 
developments are made in conjunction with independent 
actuaries. Each scheme is subject to a periodic review by 
independent actuaries.

the principal assumptions as at 31 december 2011, expressed  
as a weighted average of the various defined benefit pension 
schemes, were a discount rate of 5.2% (2010: 5.6%; 2009: 5.8%),  
an expected return on scheme assets of 6.2% (2010: 6.8%; 2009: 
7.0%), an expected rate of salary increases of 3.5% (2010: 4.1%; 
2009: 4.0%) and inflation of 2.9% (2010: 3.2%; 2009: 3.1%). Future 
pension increases are assumed at 2.9% (2010: 3.2%; 2009: 3.1%) 
and average life expectancy of 87-90 years (2010: 87-89 years) for 
scheme members currently aged 45 and 60 years. the net defined 
benefit pension expense was £23m (2010: £22m). Excluding the 
net pension financing credit, the service cost was £57m (2010: 
£48m) after pension curtailment credits of £9m (2010: £17m)  
from changes to pension plan design and staff reductions.  
the net pension financing credit is based on market data at  
the beginning of the year and was £34m (2010: £26m) reflecting 
the higher market value of scheme assets. Further information 
and sensitivity analysis is provided in note 5 to the combined 
financial statements.

Litigation
Reed Elsevier is involved in various legal proceedings, which  
arise in the normal course of its business, relating to commercial 
disputes, employment, data security and product liability. 

Reed Elsevier’s policy in respect of deferred taxation is to provide 
in full for all taxable temporary differences using the balance 
sheet liability method. deferred tax assets are only recognised  
to the extent that they are considered recoverable based on 
forecasts of available taxable profits against which they can  
be utilised over the near term.

Property provisions
Reed Elsevier has exposures to sub-lease shortfalls in respect  
of certain property leases for periods up to 2024. Provisions are 
recognised for net liabilities expected to arise on these exposures. 
Estimation of the provisions requires judgement in respect of 
future head lease costs, sub lease income and the length of 
vacancy periods. the charge for property provisions was  
£16m (2010: £36m) relating to surplus property arising on the 
restructuring, sale and closure of RBI businesses and includes 
expected losses on sub leases entered into during 2011 and an 
estimate of vacancy periods and future market conditions.  
Further information is provided in note 26 to the combined 
financial statements.

Other significant accounting policies
the accounting policies in respect of revenue recognition, 
pre-publication costs and development spend are also significant 
in determining the financial condition and results of the Reed 
Elsevier combined businesses, although the application of  
these policies is more straightforward.

Revenue recognition policies, while an area of management  
focus, are generally straightforward in application as the timing  
of product or service delivery and customer acceptance for the 
various revenue types can be readily determined. Allowances for 
product returns are deducted from revenues based on historical 
return rates. Where sales consist of two or more components that 
operate independently, revenue is recognised as each component 
is completed by performance, based on attribution of relative 
value.

Pre-publication costs incurred in the creation of content prior to 
production and publication are typically deferred and expensed 
over their estimated useful lives based on sales profiles. Such 
costs typically comprise direct internal labour costs and 
externally commissioned editorial and other fees. Estimated 
useful lives generally do not exceed five years. Annual reviews  
are carried out to assess the recoverability of carrying amounts.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

93

development spend embraces investment in new product and 
other initiatives, ranging from the building of new online delivery 
platforms, to launch costs of new services, to building new 
infrastructure applications. Launch costs and other operating 
expenses of new products and services are expensed as incurred. 
the costs of building product applications and infrastructure are 
capitalised as intangible assets and amortised over their 
estimated useful lives. Impairment reviews are carried out at 
least annually.

standards and amendments effective for the year
the interpretations and amendments to IFRS effective for 2011 
have not had a significant impact on Reed Elsevier’s accounting 
policies or reporting.

standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective
New accounting standards and amendments and their expected 
impact on the future accounting policies and reporting of Reed 
Elsevier are set out below.

IAS19 – Employee Benefits (Revised) (effective for the 2013 
financial year). the revised standard inter alia changes the 
methodology to be used in the calculation of the net pension 
financing credit or charge in relation to defined benefit pension 
schemes. Under the revised standard, pension asset returns 
included within the net pension financing credit or charge are  
to be calculated by reference to the discount rate of a high quality 
corporate bond (being also the discount rate applied in the 
calculation of pension obligations) and no longer based on the 
expected returns on scheme assets. typically the effect will be  
to reduce the asset returns recognised in the income statement. 
Comparative figures will be restated. the revised standard also 
prohibits the use of certain accounting alternatives, previously 
permitted, that enabled the smoothing of volatility in the income 
statement and balance sheet in relation to pensions. this will not 
affect Reed Elsevier’s pension accounting as such alternatives 
were not applied. there is no change to the measurement of 
pension scheme assets and obligations under the revised 
standard for Reed Elsevier. 

IFRS9 – Financial Instruments (effective for the 2015 financial 
year). the standard replaces the existing classification and 
measurement requirements in IAS39 for financial assets by 
requiring entities to classify them as being measured either at 
amortised cost or fair value depending on the business model  
and contractual cash flow characteristics of the asset. For 
financial liabilities, IFRS9 requires an entity choosing to  
measure a liability at fair value to present the portion of the  
change in its fair value due to changes in the entity’s own credit 
risk in the other comprehensive income rather than the income 
statement. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have  
a significant impact on the measurement, presentation or 
disclosure of financial assets and liabilities in the combined 
financial statements.

IFRS10 – Consolidated Financial Statements (effective for  
the 2013 financial year). the standard introduces a single 
consolidation model for all entities based on control, irrespective 
of the nature of the investee. IFRS10 replaces IAS27 – Separate 
Financial Statements. Adoption of the standard is not expected  
to significantly impact the measurement, presentation or 
disclosure of the consolidation of entities in the combined  
financial statements.

IFRS11 – Joint Arrangements (effective for the 2013 financial year). 
this standard classifies joint arrangements as either joint 
ventures or a joint operation and removes the option to 
proportionately consolidate joint ventures. IFRS11 replaces IAS28 
– Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. Adoption of the 
standard is not expected to significantly impact the measurement, 
presentation or disclosure of the joint ventures in the combined 
financial statements.

IFRS12 – disclosure of Interests in Other Entities (effective for  
the 2013 financial year). the standard combines the disclosure 
requirements for subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates 
and unconsolidated structured entities into one standard. 
Adoption of the standard may result in additional disclosures  
in the combined financial statements but is not expected to have  
a significant impact on Reed Elsevier’s reporting.

IFRS13 – Fair Value measurement (effective for the 2013 financial 
year). the standard consolidates the guidance and disclosure 
requirements of fair value measurement contained throughout 
IFRS and also requires new disclosures related to valuation 
techniques and inputs into fair value measurements. Adoption  
of the standard is not expected to significantly impact the 
measurement, presentation or disclosure of financial assets  
and liabilities in the combined financial statements. 

IAS1 – Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income 
– Amendments to IAS1 (effective for the 2012 financial year).  
the standard amends the grouping of items presented in the 
statement of comprehensive income into items that may be 
reclassified (or recycled) to the profit or loss in a future period and 
items that will never be reclassified. Adoption of the standard will 
lead to some re-presentation of the items in the statement of 
comprehensive income in the combined financial statements. 

Additionally, a number of interpretations have been issued which 
are not expected to have any significant impact on Reed Elsevier’s 
accounting policies and reporting.

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94

Financial statements and other inFormation
Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

1  Segment analysis

Reed elsevier’s reported segments are based on the internal reporting structure and financial information provided to the chief 
executive officer and boards.

Reed elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information solutions organised in 2011 as five business segments: elsevier, 
providing scientific, technical and medical information solutions; lexisNexis Risk solutions, providing risk information and analytics to 
business and government customers; lexisNexis legal & Professional, providing legal, tax, regulatory and business information 
solutions to professionals, business and government customers; Reed exhibitions, organising trade exhibitions and conferences; and 
Reed business information, providing information and marketing solutions to business professionals.

With effect from 1 January 2011 lexisNexis was reorganised as two separate businesses, lexisNexis Risk solutions and lexisNexis 
legal & Professional, which are accordingly now presented separately. comparative figures have been restated on a proforma basis as 
if the businesses had operated separately in the prior year.

adjusted operating profit is one of the key financial measures used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources. it is 
stated before amortisation of acquired intangible assets, exceptional restructuring (none in 2011), the share of profit on disposals in joint 
ventures, acquisition related costs, and is grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint ventures. adjusted operating profit is 
reconciled to operating profit in note 10.

analysis by business segment

revenue

operating profit

adjusted operating profit

elsevier
lexisNexis Risk solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional
Reed exhibitions
Reed business information

sub-total
corporate costs
Unallocated net pension financing credit
total

2011
£m
2,058
908
1,634
707
695

6,002
–
–
6,002

2010
£m
2,026
927
1,691
693
718

6,055
–
–
6,055

2011
£m
695
181
144
132
68

1,220
(49)
34
1,205

2010
£m
647
165
159
127
–

1,098
(34)
26
1,090

2011
£m
768
362
229
167
110

1,636
(44)
34
1,626

2010
£m
724
354
238
158
89

1,563
(34)
26
1,555

Revenue is analysed before the £128m (2010: £116m) share of joint ventures’ revenue, of which £23m (2010: £24m) relates to lexisNexis 
legal & Professional, principally to Giuffrè, £103m (2010: £89m) relates to Reed exhibitions and £2m (2010: £3m) relates to Reed 
business information.

share of post-tax results of joint ventures of £30m (2010: £22m) included in operating profit comprises £4m (2010: £4m) relating to 
lexisNexis legal & Professional, £25m (2010: £17m) relating to Reed exhibitions and £1m (2010: £1m) relating to Reed business 
information. the unallocated net pension credit of £34m (2010: £26m) comprises the expected return on pension scheme assets of  
£235m (2010: £217m) less interest on pension scheme liabilities of £201m (2010: £191m).

analysis oF revenue by geographical origin

North america
United Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
total

2011
£m

3,103
947
616
783
553
6,002

2010
£m

3,213
907
620
825
490
6,055 

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

1  Segment analysis continued

analysis oF revenue by geographical market

North america
United Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
total

analysis oF revenue by type

subscriptions
circulation/transactions
advertising
exhibitions
other
total

analysis by business segment

elsevier
lexisNexis Risk solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional
Reed exhibitions
Reed business information
total

expenditure on
acquired goodwill and
intangible assets

capital
expenditure
additions

amortisation
of acquired
intangible assets

depreciation and
other amortisation

2011
£m
43
–
–
36
532
611

2010
£m
13
–
34
6
1
54

2011
£m
94
23
203
22
18
360

2010
£m
81
31
179
12
12
315

2011
£m
72
156
78
24
29
359

2010
£m
75
149
72
23
30
349

2011
£m
69
26
87
10
15
207

2010
£m
74
29
94
14
26
237

capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and internally developed intangible assets. amortisation  
of acquired intangible assets includes amounts in respect of joint ventures of £4m (2010: £4m) in Reed exhibitions. other than the 
depreciation and amortisation above, non cash items include a £27m charge (2010: £7m credit) relating to the recognition of share based 
remuneration, comprising £5m (2010: £2m credit) in elsevier, £3m (2010: £2m) in lexisNexis Risk solutions, £6m (2010: £1m credit) in 
lexisNexis legal & Professional; £3m (2010: £1m credit) in Reed exhibitions, £2m (2010: £3m credit) in Reed business information and 
£8m (2010: £2m credit) in corporate.

analysis oF non-current assets by geographical location

North america
United Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
total

2011
£m

6,984
517
123
783
292
8,699

2010
£m

6,716
456
140
851
210
8,373

Non-current assets by geographical location exclude amounts relating to deferred tax and net pension assets.

95

2010
£m

3,303
490
204
1,131
927
6,055

2010
£m

2,709
1,760
491
675
420
6,055

2011
£m

3,219
485
189
1,095
1,014
6,002

2011
£m

2,819
1,649
437
700
397
6,002

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96

Financial statements and other inFormation
Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

2  Operating profit

operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:

staff costs
Wages and salaries
social security costs
Pensions
share based and related remuneration
total staff costs

depreciation and amortisation
amortisation of acquired intangible assets
share of joint ventures’ amortisation of acquired intangible assets
amortisation of internally developed intangible assets
depreciation of property, plant and equipment
total depreciation and amortisation

other expenses and income
Pre-publication costs, inventory expenses and other cost of sales
operating lease rentals expense
operating lease rentals income

depreciation and amortisation charges are included within administration and other expenses.

3  Auditors’ remuneration

auditors’ remuneration
for audit services
for non audit services
total auditors’ remuneration

Note

5

15

15
17

2011
£m

1,535
173
62
27
1,797

355
4
132
75
566

2010
£m

1,594
179
54
11
1,838

345
4
158 
79
586

2,126
116
(11)

2,209
123
(11)

2011
£m

4.7
1.1
5.8

2010
£m

4.5
1.2
5.7

auditors’ remuneration for audit services comprises £0.5m (2010: £0.4m) payable to the auditors of the parent companies and £4.2m 
(2010: £4.1m) payable to the auditors of the parent companies and their associates for the audit of the financial statements of the 
operating and financing businesses, including the review and testing of internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with the 
Us sarbanes-oxley act. auditors’ remuneration for non audit services comprises: £0.7m (2010: £0.9m) for taxation services, £0.2m 
(2010: £0.3m) for other audit related services and £0.2m (2010: nil) for due diligence and other transaction related services. Reed 
elsevier’s policy on auditor independence is set out on pages 81 and 82.

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

97

4  Personnel

number oF people employed

business segment
elsevier
lexisNexis Risk solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional
Reed exhibitions
Reed business information

sub-total
corporate/shared functions
total

geographical location
North america
United Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
total

5  Pension schemes

at 31 december

average during the year

2011

2010

2011

2010

6,900
4,000
10,300
2,800
5,600

29,600
900
30,500

16,000
4,600
1,600
3,700
4,600
30,500

6,700
4,400
10,300
2,600
5,300

29,300
900
30,200

16,500
4,600
1,700
3,800
3,600
30,200

6,900
4,300
10,400
2,700
5,400

29,700
900
30,600

16,300
4,600
1,600
3,800
4,300
30,600

6,800
4,500
10,400
2,600
5,800

 30,100
900
31,000

16,900 
4,700 
1,800 
4,000 
3,600 
31,000 

a number of pension schemes are operated around the world. the major schemes are of the defined benefit type with assets held in 
separate trustee administered funds. the largest schemes, which cover the majority of employees, are in the UK, the Us and the 
Netherlands. Under these plans, employees are entitled to retirement benefits dependent on the number of years service provided.

the principal assumptions for the purpose of valuation under ias19 – employee benefits are determined for each scheme in conjunction 
with the respective schemes’ independent actuaries and are presented below as the weighted average of the various defined benefit 
pension schemes. the defined benefit pension expense for each year is based on the assumptions and scheme valuations set at 
31 december of the prior year.

discount rate
expected rate of return on scheme assets
expected rate of salary increases
inflation
future pension increases

2011

5.2%
6.2%
3.5%
2.9%
2.9%

as at 31 december

2010

5.6%
6.8%
4.1%
3.2%
3.2%

2009

5.8%
7.0%
4.0%
3.1%
3.1%

the expected rates of return on individual categories of scheme assets are determined by reference to relevant market indices and 
market expectations of real rates of return. the overall expected rate of return on scheme assets is based on the weighted average 
of each asset category.

mortality assumptions used in assessing defined benefit obligations make allowance for future improvements in longevity and have 
been determined by reference to applicable mortality statistics and the actuaries’ expectations for each scheme. the average life 
expectancies assumed in the valuation of the defined benefit obligations are set out below. 

average liFe expectancy (at 31 december)

member currently aged 60
member currently aged 45

2011

2010

male
(years)

Female
(years)

male
(years)

female
(years)

88
89

87
88

88
89

87
88

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98

Financial statements and other inFormation
Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

5  Pension schemes continued

the pension expense recognised within the income statement comprises:

service cost (including curtailment credits of £9m (2010: £17m))
interest on pension scheme liabilities
expected return on scheme assets

Net defined benefit pension expense
defined contribution pension expense
total pension expense

2011
£m

57
201
(235)

23
39
62

2010
£m

48
191
(217)

22
32
54

the amount recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension schemes at the start and end of the 
year and the movements during the year were as follows:

at start of year
service cost 
interest on pension scheme liabilities
expected return on scheme assets
actuarial (loss)/gain
contributions by employer
contributions by employees
benefits paid
exchange translation differences
at end of year

2011

defined 
benefit 
obligations
£m

Fair value
of scheme 
assets
£m

net
pension 
obligations
£m

defined 
benefit 
obligations
£m

2010

fair value
of scheme 
assets
£m

Net
pension 
obligations
£m

(3,677)
(57)
(201)
–
(78)
–
(11)
141
7
(3,876)

3,507
–
–
235
(35)
66
11
(141)
(9)
3,634

(170)
(57)
(201)
235
(113)
66
–
–
(2)
(242)

(3,302)
(48)
(191)
–
(261)
–
(11)
139
(3)
(3,677)

3,067
–
–
217
198
154
11
(139)
(1)
3,507

(235)
(48)
(191)
217
(63)
154
–
–
(4)
(170)

the net pension obligations of £242m (2010: £170m) at 31 december 2011 comprise schemes in deficit with net pension obligations of 
£242m (2010: £225m) and schemes in surplus with net pension assets of nil (2010: £55m).

as at 31 december 2011 the defined benefit obligations comprise £3,721m (2010: £3,531m) in relation to funded schemes and £155m 
(2010: £146m) in relation to unfunded schemes. the weighted average duration of defined benefit scheme liabilities is 19 years (2010:  
19 years). deferred tax liabilities of nil (2010: £15m) and deferred tax assets of £86m (2010: £78m) are recognised in respect of the 
pension scheme surpluses and deficits respectively.

the fair value of scheme assets held as equities, bonds and other assets, and their expected rates of return as at 31 december, are 
shown below:

equities 
bonds 
other 
total

2011

2010

expected 
rate of 
return on 
scheme 
assets

8.7%
3.7%
4.3%
6.2%

Fair value
of scheme 
assets
£m

proportion 
of total 
scheme 
assets

1,699
1,722
213
3,634

47%
47%
6%
100%

expected
rate of
return on 
scheme 
assets

8.7%
4.4%
5.1%
6.8%

fair value
of scheme 
assets
£m

Proportion
of total 
scheme 
assets

1,963
1,318
226
3,507

56%
38%
6%
100%

the actual return on scheme assets for the year ended 31 december 2011 was a £200m gain (2010: £415m gain).

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

99

5  Pension schemes continued

a summary of pension balances in respect of funded and unfunded schemes for the five years ended 31 december 2011 is set out below:

fair value of scheme assets
defined benefit obligations
net pension (obligations)/surplus

2011
£m

3,634
(3,876)
(242)

2010
£m

3,507
(3,677)
(170)

2009
£m

3,067
(3,302)
(235)

2008
£m

2,682
(3,051)
(369)

2007
£m

3,018
(2,968)
 50

Gains and losses arising on the revaluation of pension scheme assets and liabilities that have been recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income are set out below:

Gains and losses arising during the year:

experience (losses)/gains on scheme liabilities
experience (losses)/gains on scheme assets

actuarial (losses)/gains arising on the present value of scheme liabilities  

due to changes in:
– discount rates
– inflation
– life expectancy and other actuarial assumptions

Net cumulative (losses)/gains at start of year
Net cumulative (losses)/gains at end of year

2011
£m

(27)
(35)

(238)
182
5

(113)
(152)
(265)

2010
£m

(43)
198

(162)
(50)
(6)

(63)
(89)
(152)

2009
£m

18
301

(249)
(124)
60

6
(95)
(89)

2008
£m

(9)
(765)

202
198
 27

(347)
252
(95)

2007
£m

(28)
34

367
(152)
 3

224
28
252

Regular contributions to defined benefit pension schemes in respect of 2012 are expected to be approximately £60m.

sensitivity analysis
Valuation of Reed elsevier’s pension scheme liabilities involves judgements about uncertain events, including the life expectancy of the 
members, salary and pension increases, inflation and the rate at which the future pension payments are discounted. estimates are used 
for each of these factors, determined in conjunction with independent actuaries. differences arising from actual experience or future 
changes in assumptions may materially affect future pension charges. in particular, changes in assumptions for discount rates, 
inflation and life expectancies would have the following approximate effects on the annual net pension expense and the defined benefit 
pension obligations:

increase/decrease of 0.25% in discount rate:

decrease/increase in annual net pension expense
decrease/increase in defined benefit pension obligations

increase/decrease of one year in assumed life expectancy:
increase/decrease in annual net pension expense
increase/decrease in defined benefit pension obligations

increase/decrease of 0.25% in the expected inflation rate:
increase/decrease in annual net pension expense
increase/decrease in defined benefit pension obligations

£m

3
168

5
94

7
144

additionally, the annual net pension expense includes an expected return on scheme assets. a 5% increase/decrease in the market 
value of equity investments held by the defined benefit pension schemes would, absent any change in their expected long term rate of 
return, increase/decrease the amount of the expected return on scheme assets by £7m and would decrease/increase the amount of the 
net pension obligations by £85m.

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100 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

6  Share based remuneration

Reed elsevier provides a number of share based remuneration schemes to directors and employees. the principal share based 
remuneration schemes are the executive share option schemes (esos), the long term incentive Plan (ltiP), the Reed elsevier Growth 
Plan (ReGP), the Retention share Plan (RsP) and the bonus investment Plan (biP). share options granted under esos and ltiP are 
exercisable after three years and up to ten years from the date of grant at a price equivalent to the market value of the respective shares 
at the date of grant. conditional shares granted under esos, ltiP, RsP and biP are exercisable after three years for nil consideration 
if conditions are met. conditional shares granted under ReGP are exercisable for nil consideration if conditions are met after three and 
five years. other awards principally relate to all employee share based saving schemes in the UK and the Netherlands.

share based remuneration awards are, other than upon retirement or in exceptional circumstances, subject to the condition that the 
employee remains in employment at the time of exercise. share options and conditional shares granted under ltiP, RsP and biP in 2009 
and prior years are subject to the achievement of growth targets of Reed elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV adjusted earnings per share 
measured at constant exchange rates. ltiP grants made in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are also variable subject to the achievement of an 
additional total shareholder return performance target.

conditional shares granted under ltiP, ReGP, RsP and biP in 2010 and 2011 are subject to the achievement of growth targets of Reed 
elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV adjusted earnings per share measured at constant exchange rates as well as the achievement of 
a targeted percentage return on invested capital of Reed elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV. ltiP grants in 2010 and 2011 and ReGP 
grants are also variable subject to the achievement of a total shareholder return performance target.

the weighted average fair value per award is based on full vesting on achievement of non market related performance conditions and 
stochastic models for market related components. the conditional shares and option awards are recognised in the income statement 
over the vesting period, being between three and five years, on the basis of expected performance against the non market related 
conditions, with the fair value related to market related components unchanging. further details of performance conditions are given 
in the directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 63 to 79.

2011 grants

share options
– esos
– other

total share options

conditional shares

– esos
– ltiP
– RsP
– biP

total conditional shares

2010 grants

share options
– esos
– other

total share options

conditional shares

– esos
– ltiP
– ReGP
– RsP
– biP

total conditional shares

in respect of 
reed elsevier plc  
ordinary shares

in respect of
reed elsevier nv
ordinary shares

Weighted 
average fair 
value per 
award
£

Weighted 
average fair 
value per 
award
£

number of 
shares
’000

number of 
shares
’000

2,053
633
2,686

755
1,822
322
1,339
4,238

0.98
1.03
0.99

4.85
4.56
4.73
5.43
4.90

1,372
381
1,753

504
1,217
5
607
2,333

1.41
0.97
1.32

6.91
6.65
7.15
8.00
7.06

in respect of 
Reed elsevier Plc  
ordinary shares

in respect of
Reed elsevier NV
ordinary shares

Weighted 
average fair 
value per 
award
£

Weighted 
average fair 
value per 
award
£

Number of 
shares
’000

Number of 
shares
’000

2,204
846
3,050

751
1,677
1,038
236
1,714
5,416

0.77
0.99
0.83

4.23
4.01
6.99
4.23
4.64
4.82

1,448
381
1,829

493
1,101
681
155
820
3,250

1.08
0.82
1.02

6.37
6.11
10.66
6.37
6.93
7.32

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

101

6  Share based remuneration continued

the main assumptions used to determine the fair values, which have been established with advice from and data provided by 
independent actuaries, are set out below.

assumptions For grants made during the year

Weighted average share price at date of grant

– esos
– ltiP
– ReGP
– RsP
– biP
– other

expected share price volatility
expected option life
expected dividend yield
Risk free interest rate
expected lapse rate

in respect of 
reed elsevier plc  
ordinary shares

in respect of
reed elsevier nv
ordinary shares

2011

2010

2011

2010

£5.39
£5.31

£5.26
£5.43
£5.13
29%
4 years
3.6%
1.9%
2-5%

£4.69
£4.67
£4.67
£4.67
£4.64
£5.22
26%
4 years
3.5%
1.8%
3-5%

€8.97
€8.89

€9.27
€9.21
€9.03
29%
4 years
4.1%
2.5%
2-4%

€8.36
€8.31
€8.31
€8.33
€8.11
€8.86 
26% 
4 years 
3.9% 
1.2% 
3-4%

expected share price volatility has been estimated based on relevant historic data in respect of the Reed elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier 
NV ordinary share prices. expected share option life has been estimated based on historical exercise patterns in respect of Reed 
elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV share options.

the share based remuneration awards outstanding as at 31 december 2011, in respect of both Reed elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV 
ordinary shares, are set out below.

share options

outstanding at 1 January 2010
Granted
exercised
forfeited
expired

outstanding at 1 January 2011
Granted
exercised
forfeited
expired
outstanding at 31 december 2011

exercisable at 31 december 2010 
exercisable at 31 december 2011

in respect of 
reed elsevier plc  
ordinary shares

in respect of
reed elsevier nv 
ordinary shares

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
(pence)

number of 
shares
’000

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price
(€)

number of 
shares
’000

35,685
3,050
(2,008)
(1,355)
(1,661)

33,711
2,686
(1,626)
(2,001)
(3,230)
29,540

22,048
20,061

547
455
470
496
554

544
509
493
479
640
534

552
552

25,917
1,829
(184)
(1,008)
(1,721)

24,833
1,753
(201)
(1,941)
(2,803)
21,641

18,735
16,876

11.74
8.45
8.63
8.75 
6.71 

11.45
8.99
8.84
10.94
8.68
10.99

11.88
11.56

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102 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

6  Share based remuneration continued

conditional shares

outstanding at 1 January 2010
Granted
Vested
forfeited

outstanding at 1 January 2011
Granted
Vested
forfeited
outstanding at 31 december 2011

in respect of 
reed elsevier plc  
ordinary shares

in respect of
reed elsevier nv 
ordinary shares

number of shares 
’000s

number of shares 
’000s

8,148
5,416
(678)
(849)

12,037
4,238
(580)
(1,799)
13,896

4,921
3,250
(425)
(453) 

7,293
2,332
(383)
(975)
8,267

the weighted average share price at the date of exercise of share options and vesting of conditional shares during 2011 was 554p (2010: 
522p) for Reed elsevier Plc ordinary shares and €9.71 (2010: €8.82) for Reed elsevier NV ordinary shares.

range oF exercise prices For outstanding share options

2011

2010

reed elsevier plc ordinary shares (pence)
401-450
451-500
501-550
551-600
601-650
651-700
total

reed elsevier nv ordinary shares (euro)
7.01-8.00
8.01-9.00
9.01-10.00
10.01-11.00
11.01-12.00
12.01-13.00
13.01-14.00
14.01-15.00
15.01-16.00
total 

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
period until 
expiry
(years)

number of 
shares under 
option
’000

Number of 
shares under 
option
’000

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
period until 
expiry
(years)

2,148
7,793
11,662
2,726
5,176
35
29,540

120
3,233
3,686
3,921
4,865
2,339
2,025
1,426
26
21,641

2.9
3.6
5.5
0.8
5.7
0.3
4.4

7.2
8.6
5.3
2.3
3.5
6.0
0.5
5.1
0.3
4.5

2,017
8,919
11,299
3,153
6,053
2,270
33,711

137
2,062
3,915
4,385
5,670
2,653
2,502
3,414
95
24,833

3.3
4.5
5.6
1.6 
6.6
0.2
4.6

8.2
9.0
6.0 
3.3 
4.4
6.8
1.4
3.2 
0.8
3.9 

share options are expected, upon exercise, to be met principally by the issue of new ordinary shares but may also be met from shares 
held by the Reed elsevier Group plc employee benefit trust (ebt) (see note 28). conditional shares will be met from shares held by  
the ebt.

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

103

7  Net finance costs

interest on short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
interest on other loans
interest on obligations under finance leases

total borrowing costs
losses on loans and derivatives not designated as hedges
Finance costs

interest on bank deposits
Gains on loans and derivatives not designated as hedges
Finance income
net finance costs

2011
£m

(28)
(212)
(1)

(241)
(11)
(252)

12
5
17
(235)

2010
£m

(33)
(236)
(1)

(270)
(14)
(284)

7
1
8
(276)

finance costs include £15m (2010: £26m) transferred from the hedge reserve. a net loss of £3m (2010: £15m) on interest rate derivatives 
designated as cash flow hedges was recognised directly in equity in the hedge reserve to be recognised in future periods.

8  Disposals and other non operating items

Revaluation of held for trading investments
loss on disposal of businesses
net loss on disposals and other non operating items

9  Taxation

current tax

United Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of world

total current tax charge
deferred tax
total taxation charge

the current tax charge includes a tax credit of nil (2010: £7m) in respect of prior year disposals.

2011
£m

6
(28)
(22)

2011
£m

64
87
107

258
(77)
181

2010
£m

8
(54)
(46)

2010
£m

44
58
64

166
(46)
120

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104 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

9  Taxation continued

a reconciliation of the notional tax charge based on average applicable rates of tax (weighted in proportion to accounting profits) to the 
actual total tax expense is set out below.

Profit before tax
tax at average applicable rates
tax on share of results of joint ventures
Prior year credits on disposals
Non deductible loss on disposals
Net tax on share based remuneration
Non deductible amounts and other items
tax expense
tax expense as a percentage of profit before tax

the following tax has been recognised directly in equity during the year.

tax on actuarial movements on defined benefit pension schemes
tax on fair value movements on cash flow hedges
deferred tax credit on share based remuneration
net tax credit recognised directly in equity

10  Adjusted figures

2011
£m

948
180
(9)
–
4
3
3
181
19%

2011
£m

36
5
1
42

2010
£m

768
118
 (7)
 (7)
10
2
4
120
16%

2010
£m

16
12
1
29

Reed elsevier uses adjusted figures as additional performance measures. adjusted figures are stated before amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets, exceptional restructuring (none in 2011) and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non 
operating items, related tax effects and movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the 
near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. adjusted operating 
profit is also grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint ventures. exceptional restructuring costs in 2010 related to the 
restructuring of the Reed business information business. acquisition related costs relate to acquisition integration, professional and 
other transaction related fees, and adjustments to deferred and contingent consideration. 

adjusted operating cash flow is measured after net capital expenditure and dividends from joint ventures but before payments in 
relation to exceptional restructuring and acquisition related costs. adjusted figures are derived as follows:

operating profit
adjustments:

amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
acquisition related costs
share of profit on disposals in joint ventures
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures

adjusted operating profit

Profit before tax
adjustments:

amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
acquisition related costs
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures
disposals and other non operating items

adjusted profit before tax

2011
£m

1,205

359
–
52
(1)
11
1,626

2010
£m

1,090

349
57
50
–
9
1,555

948

768

359
–
52
11
21
1,391

349
57
50
9
46
1,279

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

10  Adjusted figures continued

Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
adjustments (post tax):

amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
acquisition related costs
disposals and other non operating items
deferred tax credits on acquired intangible assets not expected to crystallise in the near term

adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders

cash generated from operations
dividends received from joint ventures
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
expenditure on internally developed intangible assets
Payments in relation to exceptional restructuring costs
Payments in relation to acquisition related costs
adjusted operating cash flow

11  Statement of cash flows

reconciliation oF operating proFit beFore joint ventures to cash generated From operations

operating profit before joint ventures

amortisation of acquired intangible assets
amortisation of internally developed intangible assets
depreciation of property, plant and equipment
share based remuneration
total non cash items
decrease in inventories and pre-publication costs
(increase)/decrease in receivables
decrease in payables
(increase)/decrease in working capital
cash generated from operations

cash FloW on acquisitions

Purchase of businesses
investment in joint ventures
deferred payments relating to prior year acquisitions
total

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2010
£m

642

337
37
30
37
(100)
983

1,649
24
(83)
7
(228)
99
51
1,519

2010
£m

1,068

345
158
79
(7)
575
35
24
(53)
6
1,649

2010
£m

(38)
–
(12)
(50)

2011
£m

760

355
–
33
16
(104)
1,060

1,735
33
(85)
7
(265)
52
38
1,515

2011
£m

1,175

355
132
75
27
589
32
(37)
(24)
(29)
1,735

2011
£m

(455)
(1)
(25)
(481)

Note

12

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106 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

11  Statement of cash flows continued

reconciliation oF net borroWings

cash & cash 
equivalents
£m

borrowings
£m

related 
derivative 
financial 
instruments
£m

2011
£m

2010
£m

at start of year

742

(4,302)

105

(3,455)

(3,931)

decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Net movement in short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Repayment of other loans
Repayment of finance leases
change in net borrowings resulting from cash flows

borrowings in acquired businesses
inception of finance leases
fair value adjustments to borrowings and related derivatives
exchange translation differences
at end of year

(44)
–
–
–
(44)

–
–
–
28
726

–
(210)
248
22
60

(18)
(8)
(9)
(5)
(4,282)

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
17
1
123

(44)
(210)
248
22
16

(18)
(8)
8
24
(3,433)

–
143
394
7
544

–
(2)
11
(77)
(3,455)

Net borrowings comprise cash and cash equivalents, loan capital, finance leases, promissory notes, bank and other loans, and those 
derivative financial instruments that are used to hedge the fair value of fixed rate borrowings.

cash and cash equivalents include £4m (2010: £4m) held in trust to satisfy liabilities in respect of change of control obligations related 
to the acquisition of choicePoint.

12  Acquisitions

during the year a number of acquisitions were made for a total consideration of £492m (2010: £43m), after taking account of net cash 
acquired of £24m, the most significant of which was the acquisition of accuity inc. for £331m, net of cash acquired, which completed on  
1 November 2011. the net assets of the businesses acquired are incorporated at their fair value to the combined businesses. Provisional 
fair values of the consideration given and of the assets and liabilities acquired are summarised below. 

Goodwill
intangible assets
Property, plant & equipment
current assets
current liabilities
borrowings
current tax
deferred tax
net assets acquired

consideration (after taking account of £24m net cash acquired)
less: consideration deferred to future years
less: acquisition date fair value of equity interest
net cash flow

Fair
value
2011
£m

300
311
1
23
(46)
(18)
(1)
(78)
492

492
(27)
(10)
455

fair
value
2010
£m

27
27
–
–
(2)
–
–
(9)
43

43
(5)
–
38

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents benefits which do not 
qualify for recognition as intangible assets, including the ability of a business to generate higher returns than individual assets, skilled 
workforces, acquisition synergies that are specific to Reed elsevier, and high barriers to market entry. in addition, goodwill arises on 
the recognition of deferred tax liabilities in respect of intangible assets for which amortisation does not qualify for tax deductions.

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

107

12  Acquisitions continued

the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are provisional pending the completion of the valuation exercises. final fair values 
will be incorporated in the 2012 combined financial statements. there were no significant adjustments to the provisional fair values of 
prior year acquisitions established in 2010.

the businesses acquired in 2011 contributed £34m to revenue, increased adjusted operating profit by £8m, increased adjusted profit 
attributable by £8m, decreased profit attributable by £10m, and contributed £7m to net cash inflow from operating activities for the part 
year under Reed elsevier ownership and before taking account of acquisition financing costs. had the businesses been acquired at the 
beginning of the year, on a pro forma basis the Reed elsevier revenues, adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit attributable and profit 
attributable for the year would have been £6,065m, £1,643m, £1,071m and £771m respectively before taking account of acquisition 
financing costs.

13  Equity dividends

ordinary dividends declared in the year

Reed elsevier Plc
Reed elsevier NV
total

2011
£m

248
251
499

2010
£m

245
240
485

ordinary dividends declared in the year, in amounts per ordinary share, comprise: a 2010 final dividend of 15.0p and a 2011 interim 
dividend of 5.65p giving a total of 20.65p (2010: 20.4p) for Reed elsevier Plc; and a 2010 final dividend of €0.303 and a 2011 interim 
dividend of €0.110 giving a total of €0.413 (2010: €0.402) for Reed elsevier NV.

the directors of Reed elsevier Plc have proposed a final dividend of 15.9p (2010: 15.0p). the directors of Reed elsevier NV have proposed 
a final dividend of €0.326 (2010: €0.303). the total cost of funding the proposed final dividends is expected to be £390m, for which no 
liability has been recognised at the statement of financial position date. 

ordinary dividends paid and proposed relating to the Financial year

Reed elsevier Plc
Reed elsevier NV
total

2011
£m

259
265
524

2010
£m

245
246
491

dividends paid to Reed elsevier Plc and Reed elsevier NV shareholders are, other than in special circumstances, equalised at the gross 
level inclusive of the UK tax credit of 10% received by certain Reed elsevier Plc shareholders. the cost of funding the Reed elsevier Plc 
dividends is therefore similar to that of Reed elsevier NV.

14  Goodwill

at start of year
acquisitions
disposals/reclassified as held for sale
exchange translation differences
at end of year

2011
£m

4,441
300
(26)
14
4,729

2010
£m

4,339
27
(38)
113
4,441

the carrying amount of goodwill is after cumulative amortisation of £1,332m (2010: £1,407m) which was charged prior to the adoption 
of ifRs and £49m (2010: £58m) of subsequent impairment charges.

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108 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

14 Goodwill continued

impairment review
impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets is performed at least annually based on cash generating units 
(cGUs). a cGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows 
from other groups of assets. Goodwill impairment testing is performed on the basis of 24 cGUs. cGUs which are not individually 
significant have been aggregated for presentation purposes. typically, when an acquisition is made the acquired business is fully 
integrated into the relevant business unit and cGU, and the goodwill arising is allocated to the cGUs, or groups of cGUs, that are 
expected to benefit from the synergies of the acquisition.

the carrying value of goodwill recorded in the major groups of cGUs is set out below.

goodWill

elsevier
lexisNexis Risk solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional Us
lexisNexis legal & Professional international
lexisNexis legal & Professional

Reed exhibitions continental europe
Reed exhibitions other
Reed exhibitions

Reed business information Us
Reed business information UK
Reed business information Nl
Reed business information international
Reed business information
total

2011
£m

991
1,733
1,070
113
1,183

289
76
365

52
352
23
30
457
4,729

2010
£m

994
1,720
1,064
115
1,179

293
66
359

63
71
24
31
189
4,441

Reed elsevier’s goodwill impairment testing methodology, assumptions and sensitivity analysis are disclosed within critical judgements 
and key sources of estimation uncertainty on pages 91 to 93.

reed elsevier  annual Reports and financial statements 2011

15  Intangible assets

cost
at 1 January 2010
acquisitions
additions
disposals
exchange translation differences

at 1 January 2011
acquisitions
additions
disposals/reclassified as held for sale
exchange translation differences
at 31 december 2011

amortisation
at 1 January 2010
charge for the year
disposals
exchange translation differences

at 1 January 2011
charge for the year
disposals/reclassified as held for sale
exchange translation differences
at 31 december 2011

net book amount
at 31 december 2010
at 31 december 2011

109

total
£m

6,967
27
230
(176)
138

7,186
311
270
(278)
(2)
7,487

3,335
503
(157)
48

3,729
487
(215)
(8)
3,993

market and 
customer 
related
£m

content, 
software
and other
£m

total 
acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m

internally 
developed 
intangible 
assets
£m

2,535
11
–
–
85

2,631
196
–
(38)
13
2,802

437
161
–
12

610
160
(30)
4
744

3,390
16
–
(99)
44

3,351
115
–
(189)
(14)
3,263

2,260
184
(93)
33

2,384
195
(149)
(8)
2,422

5,925
27
–
(99)
129

5,982
311
–
(227)
(1)
6,065

2,697
345
(93)
45

2,994
355
(179)
(4)
3,166

1,042
–
230
(77)
9

1,204
–
270
(51)
(1)
1,422

638
158
(64)
3

735
132
(36)
(4)
827

2,021
2,058

967
841

2,988
2,899

469
595

3,457
3,494

intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations comprise: market related assets (e.g. trademarks, imprints, brands); 
customer related assets (e.g. subscription bases, customer lists, customer relationships); and content, software and other intangible 
assets (e.g. editorial content, software and product delivery systems, other publishing rights, exhibition rights and supply contracts). 
included in content, software and other acquired intangible assets are assets with a net book value of £531m (2010: £619m) that arose on 
acquisitions completed prior to the adoption of ifRs that have not been allocated to specific categories of intangible assets. internally 
developed intangible assets typically comprise software and systems development where an identifiable asset is created that is 
probable to generate future economic benefits.

included in market and customer related intangible assets are £370m (2010: £368m) of brands and imprints relating to elsevier 
determined to have indefinite lives based on an assessment of their historical longevity and stable market positions. indefinite lived 
intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually using the same value in use assumptions as set out in critical judgements and 
key sources of estimation uncertainty on pages 91 to 93.

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110 Financial statements and other inFormation

Notes to the combiNed fiNaNcial statemeNts

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

16  Investments

investments in joint ventures
available for sale investments
Venture capital investments held for trading
total

2011
£m

124
8
56
188

2010
£m

136
10
38
184

the value of venture capital investments held for trading, determined by reference to quoted market prices, amounted to £17m (2010: 
£12m). the value of other venture capital investments and available for sale investments has been determined by reference to other 
observable market inputs.

an analysis of changes in the carrying value of investments in joint ventures is set out below.

at start of year
share of results of joint ventures
dividends received from joint ventures
disposals
additions
exchange translation differences
at end of year

2011
£m

136
30
(33)
(6)
1
(4)
124

2010
£m

135
22
(24)
(1)
–
4
136

the principal joint ventures at 31 december 2011 are exhibition joint ventures within Reed exhibitions and Giuffrè (an italian legal 
publisher in which Reed elsevier has a 40% shareholding) within lexisNexis legal & Professional.

summarised aggregate information in respect of joint ventures and Reed elsevier’s share is set out below.

Revenue
Net profit for the year

total assets
total liabilities

net assets
Goodwill
total

total joint ventures

reed elsevier share

2011
£m

254
62

255
(137)

118

2010
£m

235
46

264
(132)

132

2011
£m

128
30

122
(66)

56
68
124

2010
£m

116
22

122
(62)

60
76
136

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

17  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At start of year
Acquisitions
Capital expenditure
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At end of year

Accumulated depreciation
At start of year
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Charge for the year
Exchange translation differences
At end of year

2011

2010

Land and 
buildings

Fixtures and 
equipment

Total
£m

Land and 
buildings

Fixtures and 
equipment

246
–
8
(16)
–
238

115
(6)
9
–
118

578
1
82
(78)
(1)
582

418
(69)
66
(1)
414

824
1
90
(94)
(1)
820

533
(75)
75
(1)
532

238
–
7
(5)
6
246

106
(5)
12
2
115

626
–
78
(141)
15
578

466
(127)
67
12
418

111

Total
£m

864
–
85
(146)
21
824

572
(132)
79
14
533

Net book amount

120

168

288

131

160

291

No depreciation is provided on freehold land of £46m (2010: £48m). The net book amount of property, plant and equipment at  
31 December 2011 includes £4m (2010: £2m) in respect of assets held under finance leases relating to fixtures and equipment.

18  Financial instruments

Details of the objectives, policies and strategies pursued by Reed Elsevier in relation to financial instruments and capital management 
are set out on pages 46 and 47 of the Financial Review. The main financial risks faced by Reed Elsevier are liquidity risk, market risk – 
comprising interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk – and credit risk. Financial instruments are used to finance the Reed Elsevier 
businesses and to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange risks. Reed Elsevier’s businesses do not enter into speculative derivative 
transactions. Details of financial instruments subject to liquidity, market and credit risks are described below.

Liquidity risk
Reed Elsevier maintains a range of borrowing facilities and debt programmes to fund its requirements, at short notice and at 
competitive rates. The remaining contractual maturities for borrowings and derivative financial instruments are shown in the table 
below. The table shows undiscounted principal and interest cash flows and includes contractual gross cash flows to be exchanged as 
part of cross currency interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts where there is a legal right of set-off.

At 31 December 2011

Borrowings
Fixed rate borrowings
Floating rate borrowings

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate derivatives
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts

Derivative financial assets
Interest rate derivatives
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Total

Carrying 
amount
£m

Within 
1 year
£m

1-2 years
£m

2-3 years
£m

3-4 years
£m

4-5 years
£m

More than 
5 years
£m

Total
£m

Contractual cash flow

(3,568)
(714)

(553)
(646)

(814)
(2)

(863)
(2)

(248)
(65)

(524)
(1)

(1,694)
(5)

(4,696)
(721)

(10) 
–
(59) 

(9)
(6)
(1,019)

39 
99
11 
(4,202) 

13
14
987
(1,219)

(3)
(173)
(421)

27
208
414
(764)

–
(189)
(256)

6
248
252
(804)

–
–
–

5
–
–
(308)

–
–
–

–
–
–

(12)
(368)
(1,696)

5
–
–
(520)

3
–
–
(1,696)

59
470
1,653
(5,311)

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112 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

NOTES TO ThE COmBINED FINANCIAL STATEmENTS

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

18  Financial instruments continued

At 31 December 2010

Borrowings
Fixed rate borrowings
Floating rate borrowings

Derivative financial liabilities
Interest rate derivatives
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts

Derivative financial assets
Interest rate derivatives
Cross currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Total

Carrying 
amount
£m

(3,711)
(591)

Within 
1 year
£m

(370)
(383)

(25)
–
(55)

(19)
(5)
(1,283)

19
100
15
(4,248)

15
14
1,262
(769)

Contractual cash flow

1-2 years
£m

2-3 years
£m

3-4 years
£m

4-5 years
£m

more than 
5 years
£m

Total
£m

(558)
(53)

(8)
(7)
(413)

10
14
401
(614)

(833)
(6)

(2)
(179)
(154)

20
209
154
(791)

(865)
(99)

–
(190)
(32)

–
248
33
(905)

(246)
(67)

(2,210)
(5)

(5,082)
(613)

(1)
–
–

–
–
–
(314)

(6)
–
–

(36) 
(381)
(1,882) 

–
–
–
(2,221)

45 
485
1,850
(5,614)

The carrying amount of derivative financial liabilities comprises £64m (2010: £68m) in relation to cash flow hedges and £5m (2010: £12m) 
not designated as hedging instruments. The carrying amount of derivative financial assets comprises £123m (2010: £105m) in relation to 
fair value hedges, £10m (2010: £12m) in relation to cash flow hedges and £16m (2010: £17m) not designated as hedging instruments.

At 31 December 2011, Reed Elsevier had access to a $2,000m committed bank facility maturing in June 2014, which was undrawn.  
The bank facility, together with certain of Reed Elsevier’s private placements, are subject to financial covenants. Reed Elsevier was  
in  compliance with these covenants for the year ended 31 December 2011.

After taking account of the maturity of committed bank facilities that back short term borrowings at 31 December 2011, and after 
utilising available cash resources, no borrowings mature within two years (2010: nil), 44% of borrowings mature in the third year (2010: 
23%), 18% in the fourth and fifth years (2010: 27%), 27% in the sixth to tenth years (2010: 39%), and 11% beyond the tenth year (2010: 11%).

Market risk
Reed Elsevier’s primary market risks are to interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate movements. Derivatives are used to hedge or 
reduce the risks of interest rate and exchange rate movements and are not entered into unless such risks exist. Derivatives used by 
Reed Elsevier for hedging a particular risk are not specialised and are generally available from numerous sources. The impact of 
market risks on net post employment benefit obligations and taxation is excluded from the following market risk sensitivity analysis.

Interest rate risk
Reed Elsevier’s interest rate exposure management policy is aimed at reducing the exposure of the combined businesses to changes  
in interest rates.

At 31 December 2011, 69% of gross borrowings were either fixed rate or had been fixed through the use of interest rate swaps, forward 
rate agreements and options. A 100 basis point reduction in interest rates would result in an estimated decrease in net finance costs of 
£5m (2010: £3m), based on the composition of financial instruments including cash, cash equivalents, bank loans and commercial paper 
borrowings at 31 December 2011. A 100 basis point rise in interest rates would result in an estimated increase in net finance costs of £5m 
(2010: £3m).

The impact on net equity of a theoretical change in interest rates as at 31 December 2011 is restricted to the change in carrying value  
of floating rate to fixed rate interest rate derivatives in a designated cash flow hedge relationship and undesignated interest rate 
derivatives. A 100 basis point reduction in interest rates would result in an estimated reduction in net equity of £3m (2010: £8m) and a  
100 basis point increase in interest rates would increase net equity by an estimated £4m (2010: £9m). The impact of a change in interest 
rates on the carrying value of fixed rate borrowings in a designated fair value hedge relationship would be offset by the change in 
carrying value of the related interest rate derivative. Fixed rate borrowings not in a designated hedging relationship are carried at 
amortised cost.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

113

18  Financial instruments continued

Foreign exchange rate risk
Translation exposures arise on the earnings and net assets of business operations in countries with currencies other than sterling, most 
particularly in respect of the US businesses. These exposures are hedged, to a significant extent, by a policy of denominating borrowings 
in currencies where significant translation exposures exist, most notably US dollars (see note 24).

A theoretical weakening of all currencies by 10% against sterling at 31 December 2011 would decrease the carrying value of net assets, 
excluding net borrowings, by £472m (2010: £457m). This would be offset to a large degree by a decrease in net borrowings of £270m 
(2010: £270m). A strengthening of all currencies by 10% against sterling at 31 December 2011 would increase the carrying value of net 
assets, excluding net borrowings, by £590m (2010: £570m) and increase net borrowings by £330m (2010: £329m).

 A retranslation of the combined businesses’ net profit for the year assuming a 10% weakening of all foreign currencies against sterling 
but excluding transactional exposures would reduce net profit by £54m (2010: £51m). A 10% strengthening of all foreign currencies 
against sterling on this basis would increase net profit for the year by £65m (2010: £62m).

Credit risk
Reed Elsevier seeks to limit interest rate and foreign exchange risks described above by the use of financial instruments and as a result 
has a credit risk from the potential non performance by the counterparties to these financial instruments, which are unsecured. The 
amount of this credit risk is normally restricted to the amounts of any hedge gain and not the principal amount being hedged. Reed 
Elsevier also has a credit exposure to counterparties for the full principal amount of cash and cash equivalents. Credit risks are 
controlled by monitoring the credit quality of these counterparties, principally licensed commercial banks and investment banks with 
strong long term credit ratings, and the amounts outstanding with each of them.

Reed Elsevier has treasury policies in place which do not allow concentrations of risk with individual counterparties and do not allow 
significant treasury exposures with counterparties which are rated lower than A/A2 by Standard & Poor’s, moody’s or Fitch.

Reed Elsevier also has credit risk with respect to trade receivables due from its customers that include national and state governments, 
academic institutions and large and small enterprises including law firms, book stores and wholesalers. The concentration of credit 
risk from trade receivables is limited due to the large and broad customer base. Trade receivable exposures are managed locally in the 
business units where they arise. Where appropriate, business units seek to minimise this exposure by taking payment in advance and 
through management of credit terms. Allowance is made for bad and doubtful debts based on management’s assessment of the risk 
taking into account the ageing profile, experience and circumstance. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of each financial asset, including derivative financial instruments, recorded in the statement of financial position.

Included within trade receivables are the following amounts which are past due but for which no allowance has been made. Past due  
up to one month £212m (2010: £241m); past due two to three months £54m (2010: £58m); past due four to six months £20m (2010: £16m); 
and past due greater than six months £5m (2010: £5m). Examples of trade receivables which are past due but for which no allowance has 
been made include those receivables where there is no concern over the creditworthiness of the customer and where the history of 
dealings with the customer indicate the amount will be settled.

hedge accounting
The hedging relationships that are designated under IAS39 – Financial Instruments are described below:

Fair value hedges
Reed Elsevier has entered into interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair 
value of fixed rate borrowings due to interest rate and foreign currency movements which could affect the income statement.

Interest rate derivatives (including cross currency interest rate swaps) with a principal amount of £1,081m (2010: £1,093m) were in  
place at 31 December 2011 swapping fixed rate term debt issues denominated in sterling, euros and Swiss francs (ChF) to floating rate 
sterling, euro and US dollar (USD) debt respectively for the whole of their term.

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114 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

NOTES TO ThE COmBINED FINANCIAL STATEmENTS

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

18  Financial instruments continued

The gains and losses on the borrowings and related derivatives designated as fair value hedges, which are included in the income 
statement, for the two years ended 31 December 2011 were as follows:

GAiNs/(LossEs) oN BoRRoWiNGs 
AND RELATED DERivATivEs

GBP debt
Related interest rate swaps

EUR debt
Related interest rate swaps

ChF debt
Related ChF to USD cross currency

interest rate swaps

Total GBP, EUR and ChF debt
Total related interest rate derivatives
Net gain

1 January 
2010 
£m

Fair value 
movement 
gain/(loss)
£m

Exchange 
gain/(loss)
£m

1 January 
2011
£m

Fair value 
movement 
gain/(loss)
£m

Exchange 
gain/(loss)
£m

31 December 
2011
£m

9
(9)
–

(2)
2
–

(48)

48
–

(41)
41
–

(16)
16
–

(10)
10
–

(37)

37
–

(63)
63
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

(1)

1
–

(1)
1
–

(7)
7
–

(12)
12
–

(86)

86
–

(105)
105
–

(23)
23
–

3
(3)
–

3

(3)
–

(17)
17
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

(1)

1
–

(1)
1
–

(30)
30
–

(9)
9
–

(84)

84
–

(123)
123
–

All fair value hedges were highly effective throughout the two years ended 31 December 2011.

Gross borrowings as at 31 December 2011 included £43m (2010: £51m) in relation to fair value adjustments to borrowings  
previously designated in a fair value hedge relationship which were de-designated in 2008. The related derivatives were closed  
out on de-designation with a cash inflow of £62m. £8m (2010: £10m) of these fair value adjustments were amortised in the year as  
a reduction to finance costs.

Cash flow hedges
Reed Elsevier enters into two types of cash flow hedge:

(1)  

Interest rate derivatives which fix the interest expense on a portion of forecast floating rate debt (including commercial paper, short 
term bank loans and floating rate term debt).

(2)  Foreign exchange derivatives which fix the exchange rate on a portion of future foreign currency subscription revenues forecast by 

the Elsevier science and medical businesses for up to 50 months.

movements in the hedge reserve (pre-tax) in 2010 and 2011, including gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments, were 
as follows:

hedge reserve at 1 January 2010: losses deferred
Losses arising in 2010
Amounts recognised in income statement
Exchange translation differences

hedge reserve at 1 January 2011: losses deferred
Losses arising in 2011
Amounts recognised in income statement
Exchange translation differences
hedge reserve at 31 December 2011: losses deferred

interest rate 
hedges
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
hedges
£m

Total hedge 
reserve 
pre-tax
£m

(38)
(15)
26
(2)

(29)
(3)
15
–
(17)

(51)
(43)
35
–

(59)
(21)
33
1
(46)

(89)
(58)
61
(2)

(88)
(24)
48
1
(63)

All cash flow hedges were highly effective throughout the two years ended 31 December 2011.

A tax credit of £15m (2010: £21m) in respect of the above gains and losses at 31 December 2011 was also deferred in the hedge reserve.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

115

18  Financial instruments continued

Of the amounts recognised in the income statement in the year, losses of £33m (2010: £35m) were recognised in revenue, and losses of 
£15m (2010: £26m) were recognised in finance costs. A tax credit of £11m (2010: £15m) was recognised in relation to these items.

The deferred losses on cash flow hedges at 31 December 2011 are currently expected to be recognised in the income statement in future 
years as follows:

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Losses deferred in hedge reserve at end of year

interest rate 
hedges
£m

Foreign 
exchange 
hedges
£m

Total hedge 
reserve 
pre-tax
£m

(13)
(4)
–
–
–
(17)

(14)
(19)
(10)
(3)
–
(46)

(27)
(23)
(10)
(3)
–
(63)

Dividends paid to Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders are, other than in special circumstances, equalised at the gross 
level inclusive of the UK tax credit of 10% received by certain Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders. The cost of funding the Reed Elsevier PLC 
dividends is therefore similar to that of Reed Elsevier NV.

19  Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Total

2011
£m

212
(1,236)
(1,024)

2010
£m

151
(1,192)
(1,041)

movements in deferred tax liabilities and assets are summarised as follows:

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets

Excess of tax 
allowances 
over 
amortisation
£m

Acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m

Pensions 
assets
£m

other 
temporary 
differences
£m

Excess of 
amortisation 
over tax 
allowances
£m

Tax losses 
carried 
forward
£m

Pensions 
liabilities
£m

other 
temporary 
differences
£m

Deferred tax (liability)/asset  

at 1 January 2010
Credit/(charge) to profit
Credit/(charge) to equity
Transfers
Acquisitions
Exchange translation 

differences

(216)
2
–
–
–

(1,007)
100
–
–
(9)

(9)

(28)

Deferred tax (liability)/asset  

at 1 January 2011

(223)

(944)

(Charge)/credit to profit
Credit to equity
Transfers
Acquisitions
Disposals/reclassified  
as held for sale
Exchange translation 

differences

(6)
–
–
–

–

(2)

131
–
–
(85)

–

(2)

Deferred tax (liability)/asset 
at 31 December 2011

(231)

(900)

(31)
(7)
23
–
–

–

(15)

(10)
25
–
–

–

–

–

(18)
1
7
–
–

–

(10)

(94)
–
–
–

1

(2)

27
(14)
–
–
–

–

13

3
–
–
–

–

–

(105)

16

9
4
–
–
–

–

13

32
–
–
2

–

1

48

122
(40)
(7)
–
–

3

78

(3)
11
–
–

–

–

86

Total
£m

(1,064)
46
29
(11)
(9)

50
–
6
(11)
–

2

(32)

47

24
6
(17)
5

(1)

(2)

(1,041)

77
42
(17)
(78)

–

(7)

62

(1,024)

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116 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

NOTES TO ThE COmBINED FINANCIAL STATEmENTS

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

20  Inventories and pre-publication costs

Raw materials
Pre-publication costs
Finished goods
Total

21  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Allowance for doubtful debts

Prepayments and accrued income
Total

2011
£m

6
115
69
190

2010
£m

6
130
92
228

2011
£m

1,361
(63)
1,298
185
1,483

2010
£m

1,361
(73)
1,288
187
1,475

Trade receivables are predominantly non-interest bearing and their carrying amounts approximate to their fair value.

Trade receivables are stated net of allowances for bad and doubtful debts. The movements in the provision during the year were 
as follows:

At start of year
Charge for the year
Trade receivables written off
Disposals
Exchange translation differences
At end of year

22  Assets and liabilities held for sale

The major classes of assets and liabilities of operations classified as held for sale are as follows:

Goodwill
Intangible assets
Inventories
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Total assets held for sale
Trade and other payables
Total liabilities associated with assets held for sale

2011
£m

73
15
(23)
(1)
(1)
63

2010
£m

80
15
(22)
–
–
73

2011
£m

2010
£m

19
7
1
1
16
44
17
17

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

117

23  Trade and other payables

Payables and accruals
Deferred income
Total

24  Borrowings

2011
£m

1,245
1,412
2,657

2010
£m

1,276
1,308
2,584

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:

Short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Finance leases
Other loans

Other loans in fair value hedging relationships
Other loans previously in fair value hedging relationships
Total

2011

Falling due in 
more than 
1 year
£m

Falling due 
within 1 year
£m

596
2
384
–
–
982

–
6
1,466
1,204
624
3,300

2010

Falling due 
within 1 
year
£m

Falling due in 
more than 
1 year
£m

379
7
130
–
–
516

–
15
1,944
1,198
629
3,786

Total
£m

596
8
1,850
1,204
624
4,282

Total 
£m

379
22
2,074
1,198
629
4,302

The total fair value of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost is £2,745m (2010: £2,796m). The total fair value of other loans in fair 
value hedging relationships is £1,237m (2010: £1,279m). The total fair value of other loans previously in fair value hedging relationships is 
£707m (2010: £685m).

Analysis by year of repayment

2011

2010

short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts 
and 
commercial 
paper
£m

other loans
£m

Finance 
leases
£m

596
–
–
–
–
–
–
596

384
618
725
188
401
1,362
3,294
3,678

2
3
2
1
–
–
6
8

Short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts  
and 
commercial 
paper
£m

Other loans
£m

Finance 
leases
£m

379
–
–
–
–
–
–
379

130
382
636
825
188
1,740
3,771
3,901

7
7
8
–
–
–
15
22

Total
£m

982
621
727
189
401
1,362
3,300
4,282

Total 
£m

516 
389
644
825
188
1,740
3,786
4,302

Within 1 year
Within 1 to 2 years
Within 2 to 3 years
Within 3 to 4 years
Within 4 to 5 years
After 5 years

Total

Short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper were backed up at 31 December 2011 by a $2,000m (£1,290m) committed bank 
facility maturing in June 2014, which was undrawn.

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118 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

NOTES TO ThE COmBINED FINANCIAL STATEmENTS

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

24  Borrowings continued

Analysis by currency

US dollars
£ sterling
Euro
Other currencies
Total

2011

2010

short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts 
and 
commercial 
paper
£m

other loans
£m

Finance 
leases
£m

485
–
91
20
596

2,431
730
517
–
3,678

8
–
–
–
8

Short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts  
and 
commercial 
paper
£m

Other loans
£m

Finance 
leases
£m

225
–
123
31
379

2,566
707
628
–
3,901

22
–
–
–
22

Total
£m

2,924
730
608
20
4,282

Total 
£m

2,813
707
751
31
4,302

Included in the US dollar amounts for other loans above is £363m (2010: £364m) of debt denominated in Swiss francs (ChF 500m; 2010: 
ChF 500m) that was swapped into US dollars on issuance and against which there are related derivative financial instruments, which, as 
at 31 December 2011, had a fair value of £84m (2010: £86m).

25  Lease arrangements

Finance leases
At 31 December 2011 future finance lease obligations fall due as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive

Less future finance charges
Total

Present value of future finance lease obligations payable:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive

Total

The fair value of the lease obligations approximates to their carrying amount.

2011
£m

2010
£m

2
6
8
–
8

2
6
8

8
17
25
(3)
22

7
15
22

operating leases
Reed Elsevier leases various properties, principally offices and warehouses, which have varying terms and renewal rights that are 
typical to the territory in which they are located.

At 31 December 2011 outstanding commitments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years
Total

Of the above outstanding commitments, £605m (2010: £609m) relate to land and buildings.

2011
£m

129
305
206
640

2010
£m

128
306
208
642

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

119

25  Lease arrangements continued

Reed Elsevier has a number of properties that are sub-leased. The future lease receivables contracted with sub-tenants fall as follows:

Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years
Total

26  Provisions

At start of year
Charged
Utilised
Exchange translation differences
At end of year

2011
£m

21
38
19
78

2011

Property
£m

Restructuring
£m

105
16
(12)
–
109

54
–
(37)
–
17

Total
£m

159
16
(49)
–
126

2010

Property
£m

Restructuring
£m

89
36
(22)
2
105

106
31
(82)
(1)
54

Property provisions relate to estimated sub-lease shortfalls and guarantees given in respect of certain property leases for various 
periods up to 2024. 

At 31 December 2011 provisions are included within current and non-current liabilities as follows:

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total

27  Contingent liabilities and capital commitments

There are contingent liabilities amounting to £15m (2010: £18m) in respect of property lease guarantees. 

2011
£m

39
87
126

2010
£m

17
25
5
47

Total
£m

195
67
(104)
1
159

2010
£m

71
88
159

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120 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

NOTES TO ThE COmBINED FINANCIAL STATEmENTS

Notes to the combined financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

28  Combined share capitals, share premiums and shares held in treasury

Combined share capitals exclude the shares of Reed Elsevier NV held by a subsidiary of Reed Elsevier PLC. Disclosures in respect  
of share capital are given in note 12 to the Reed Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements and note 13 to the Reed Elsevier NV 
consolidated financial statements. 

Combined share premiums exclude the share premium in respect of shares of Reed Elsevier NV held by a subsidiary of Reed 
Elsevier PLC. 

At 31 December 2011, shares held in treasury related to 14,051,025 (2010: 14,654,161) Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and 7,380,906 
(2010: 7,781,790) Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares held by the Reed Elsevier Group plc Employee Benefit Trust (EBT); and 34,196,298 
(2010: 34,196,298) Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and 23,952,791 (2010: 23,952,791) Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares held by the 
respective parent companies.

The EBT purchases Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shares which, at the trustees’ discretion, can be used in respect of the 
exercise of share options and to meet commitments under conditional share awards.

At 31 December 2011, shares held by the EBT were £159m (2010: £166m).

29  Other combined reserves

At start of year 
Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Dividends paid
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes 
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Tax recognised directly in equity
Increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
Settlement of share awards
Transfer from hedge reserve to net profit (net of tax)
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Exchange translation differences
At end of year

hedge 
reserve
2011
£m

other 
reserves
2011
£m

(67)
–
–
–
–
(24)
5
–
–
37
–
1
(48)

(320)
760
(497)
(113)
(1)
–
37
27
(7)
–
(43)
6
(151)

Total
2011
£m

(387)
760
(497)
(113)
(1)
(24)
42
27
(7)
37
(43)
7
(199)

Total 
2010 
£m

(502)
642
(483)
(63)
–
(58)
29
(7)
(9)
46
–
18
(387)

Other reserves principally comprise retained earnings, the share based remuneration reserve and available for sale investment 
reserve.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

121

30  Related party transactions

Transactions between the Reed Elsevier combined businesses have been eliminated within the combined financial statements. 
Transactions with joint ventures were made on normal market terms of trading and comprise sales of goods and services of  
£1m (2010: £1m). 

As at 31 December 2011, amounts owed by joint ventures were £3m (2010: £2m). Key management personnel are also related parties 
and comprise the executive directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. Transactions with key management personnel are set 
out below.

Salaries and other short term employee benefits
Post employment benefits
Share based remuneration
Total

31  Exchange rates

The following exchange rates have been applied in preparing the combined financial statements:

2011
£m

3
–
4
7

2010
£m

5
1
(1)
5

Euro to sterling
US dollars to sterling

32  Approval of financial statements

income statement 

statement of 
financial position

2011

1.15
1.60

2010

1.17
1.55

2011

1.20
1.55

2010

1.17
1.56

The combined financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Boards of directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV on 15 February 2012.

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122 FiNANCiAL sTATEMENTs AND oThER iNFoRMATioN

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Independent auditors’ report
to the members of Reed Elsevier PLC and shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV

The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, 
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement  
of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or 
error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers 
internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the 
combined financial statements in order to design audit procedures 
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose 
of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s 
internal control.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

opinion on the combined financial statements
In our opinion the combined financial statements:

ƒƒ give a true and fair view of the state of the combined 

businesses’ affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of its profit  
for the year then ended; and

ƒƒ have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union.

other matter
We have also audited the information in the parts of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report presented in the Reed Elsevier Annual 
Reports and Financial Statements (“the Remuneration Report”) 
that are described as having been audited. The separate audit 
reports on the consolidated financial statements of Reed Elsevier 
PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, which have been audited under locally 
adopted standards and which include the other opinions required 
by local laws and regulations, appear on pages 156 and 178.

Douglas King (Senior statutory auditor) 
For and on behalf of
Deloitte LLP 
Chartered Accountants  
and Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom 
15 February 2012

A Sandler

Deloitte Accountants B.v.
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
15 February 2012 

Report on the combined financial statements
We have audited the combined financial statements of Reed 
Elsevier PLC (registered in England and Wales), Reed Elsevier NV 
(registered in Amsterdam), Reed Elsevier Group plc (registered  
in England and Wales), Elsevier Reed Finance BV (registered in 
Amsterdam) and their respective subsidiaries, associates and 
joint ventures (together “the combined businesses”), for the year 
ended 31 December 2011 (“the combined financial statements”), 
which comprise the combined income statement, the combined 
statement of comprehensive income, the combined statement  
of cash flows, the combined statement of financial position, the 
combined statement of changes in equity, the accounting policies 
and the related notes 1 to 32 .

Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
members of Reed Elsevier PLC and shareholders of Reed Elsevier 
NV those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by 
law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, and the members  
of Reed Elsevier PLC as a body and the shareholders of Reed 
Elsevier NV as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for  
the opinions we have formed.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
combined financial statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(“IFRS”) and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view 
and for such internal control as it determines is necessary to 
enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditors’ responsibilities
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
combined financial statements in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) as issued by the United 
Kingdom Auditing Practices Board, and Dutch law, including the 
Dutch Standards on Auditing. Those standards require us to 
comply with our respective professions’ ethical requirements, 
including Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for 
Auditors and the International Ethical Standards Board of 
Accountants Code of Ethics. 

scope of the audit of the combined financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the combined financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the combined financial statements are 
free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or 
error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the combined businesses’ 
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately 
disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates 
made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the 
combined financial statements. In addition, we read all the 
financial and non-financial information in the annual report to 
identify material inconsistencies with the audited combined 
financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications  
for our report.

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

123

Summary  
combined  
financial  
information  
in euros

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In this section

124 Combined income statement
124 Combined statement of  
comprehensive income

125 Combined statement of cash flows
126 Combined statement of  

financial position

127 Combined statement of  
changes in equity

128 Notes to the summary combined 
financial information in euros

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124 Financial statements and other information

COmBiNed FiNANCiAl StAtemeNtS iN euROS

Introduction

the Reed elsevier combined financial statements are presented in pounds sterling. this summary financial information presents the 
primary combined financial statements and selected notes in euros using the exchange rates provided in note 31 to the combined 
financial statements.

Combined income statement

Note

1

1

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER

Revenue
Cost of sales

Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Administration and other expenses

Operating profit before joint ventures
Share of results of joint ventures
Operating profit

Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs
disposals and other non operating items

Profit before tax
taxation
Net profit for the year

Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Net profit for the year

Combined statement of comprehensive income

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER

Net profit for the year

exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
transfer to net profit from hedge reserve (net of tax)
tax recognised directly in equity
Other comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

2011
€m

6,902
(2,445)

4,457
(1,236)
(1,870)

1,351
35
1,386

20
(290)
(270)
(26)

1,090
(208)
882

874
8
882

2011
€m

882

107
(130)
(1)
(28)
43
48
39
921

913
8
921

2010
€m

7,084
(2,584)

4,500
(1,276)
(1,974)

1,250
25
1,275

9
(332)
(323)
(54)

898
(140)
758

751
7
758

2010
€m

758

196
(74)
–
(68)
54
34
142
900

893
7
900

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Combined statement of cash flows

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
interest paid
interest received
tax paid (net)
Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
expenditure on internally developed intangible assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
Net proceeds from other disposals
dividends received from joint ventures
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
dividends paid to shareholders of the parent companies
distributions to non-controlling interests
increase/(decrease) in short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Repayment of other loans
Repayment of finance leases
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares
Net cash used in financing activities

Note

4

4

125

2011
€m

2010
€m

1,995
(284)
14
(251)
1,474

(553)
(98)
(305)
(11)
8
92
38
(829)

(572)
(10)
241
(285)
(25)
(55)
10
(696)

1,929
(345)
9
(10)
1,583

(58)
(97)
(267)
(6)
8
7
28
(385)

(565)
(9)
(168)
(461)
(8)
–
13
(1,198)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

4

(51)

–

Movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
decrease in cash and cash equivalents
exchange translation differences
At end of year

868
(51)
54
871

822
–
46
868

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126 FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION

COmBiNed FiNANCiAl StAtemeNtS iN euROS

Combined statement of financial position

As AT 31 DECEMBER

Non-current assets
Goodwill
intangible assets
investments in joint ventures
Other investments
Property, plant and equipment
Net pension assets
deferred tax assets

Current assets
inventories and pre-publication costs
trade and other receivables
derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents

Assets held for sale
Total assets

Current liabilities
trade and other payables
derivative financial instruments
Borrowings
taxation
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
deferred tax liabilities
Net pension obligations
Provisions

liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Combined share capitals
Combined share premiums
Combined shares held in treasury
translation reserve
Other combined reserves
Combined shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Note

2011
€m

2010
€m

5,675
4,192
149
77
346
–
254
10,693

228
1,780
179
871
3,058
53
13,804

3,188
83
1,178
813
47
5,309

3,960
1,483
290
105
5,838
21
11,168
2,636

5,196
4,045
159
56
341
64
177
10,038

267
1,725
157
868
3,017
–
13,055

3,023
94
604
755
83
4,559

4,430
1,395
263
103
6,191
–
10,750
2,305

268
3,268
(796)
297
(431)
2,606
30
2,636

262
3,222
(792)
229
(648)
2,273
32
2,305

2

4

5

6

5

2
6

7

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Combined statement of changes in equity

Combined 
share 
capitals
€m

Combined 
share 
premiums
€m

Combined 
shares held 
in treasury
€m

Translation 
reserve
€m

Other 
combined 
reserves
€m

Combined 
share-
holders’
equity
€m

Non-
controlling 
interests
€m

Balance at 1 January 2010
total comprehensive  
income for the year

dividends paid
issue of ordinary shares,  
net of expenses
decrease in share based 
remuneration reserve

Settlement of share awards
exchange differences on 
translation of capital  
and reserves

Balance at 1 January 2011
total comprehensive  
income for the year

dividends paid
issue of ordinary shares,  
net of expenses
increase in share based 

remuneration reserve

Settlement of share awards
Acquisitions 
Acquisition of   

non-controlling interests

exchange differences  
on translation of  
capital and reserves
Balance at 31 December 2011

252

3,144

(782)

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

13

–
–

–
–

–

–
11

10

262

65

3,222

(21)

(792)

–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–

10

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
8
–

–

79

196
–

–

–
–

(46)

229

107
–

–

–
–
–

–

(753)

1,940

697
(565)

–

(8)
(11)

893
(565)

13

(8)
–

(8)

–

(648)

2,273

806
(572)

913
(572)

–

31
(8)
–

10

31
–
–

30

7
(9)

–

–
–

4

32

8
(10)

–

–
–
6

(49)

(49)

(6)

(55)

6
268

36
3,268

(12)
(796)

(39)
297

9
(431)

–
2,606

–
30

–
2,636

127

Total 
equity
€m

1,970

900
(574)

13

(8)
–

4

2,305

921
(582)

10

31
–
6

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128 FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION

NOteS tO the SummARy COmBiNed FiNANCiAl iNFORmAtiON iN euROS

Notes to the summary combined financial information  
in euros

1  Segment analysis

ANAlYsIs BY BusINEss sEgMENT

Revenue

Operating profit

Adjusted operating profit

elsevier
lexisNexis Risk Solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional
Reed exhibitions
Reed Business information

Sub-total
Corporate costs
unallocated net pension financing credit
Total

2011
€m
2,367
1,044
1,879
813
799

6,902
–
–
6,902

2010
€m
2,370
1,085
1,978
811
840

7,084
–
–
7,084

2011
€m
799
208
166
152
78

1,403
(56)
39
1,386

2010
€m
757
193
186
149
–

1,285
(40)
30
1,275

2011
€m
883
416
263
192
127

1,881
(50)
39
1,870

2010
€m
847
414
279
185 
104 

1,829 
(40)
30
1,819 

Revenue is analysed before the €147m (2010: €136m) share of joint ventures’ revenue, of which €26m (2010: €28m) relates to lexisNexis 
legal & Professional, principally to Giuffrè, €119m (2010: €104m) relates to Reed exhibitions and €2m (2010: €4m) relates to Reed 
Business information.

Share of post-tax results of joint ventures of €35m (2010: €25m) included in operating profit comprises €5m (2010: €5m) relating to 
lexisNexis legal & Professional, €29m (2010: €19m) relating to Reed exhibitions and €1m (2010: €1m) relating to Reed Business 
information. the unallocated net pension credit of €39m (2010: €30m) comprises the expected return on pension scheme assets of 
€270m (2010: €254m) less interest on pension scheme liabilities of €231m (2010: €224m).

ANAlYsIs OF REvENuE BY gEOgRAPHICAl ORIgIN

North America
united Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
Total

ANAlYsIs OF REvENuE BY gEOgRAPHICAl MARkET

North America
united Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
Total

ANAlYsIs OF REvENuE BY TYPE

Subscriptions
Circulation/transactions
Advertising
exhibitions
Other
Total

2011
€m

3,569
1,089
708
900
636
6,902

2011
€m

3,702
558
217
1,259
1,166
6,902

2011
€m

3,242
1,896
503
805
456
6,902

2010
€m

3,759
1,061 
726
965 
573 
7,084

2010
€m

3,864
573 
239
1,323 
1,085 
7,084

2010
€m

3,170
2,059
574
790
491
7,084

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

129

1  Segment analysis continued

ANAlYsIs BY BusINEss sEgMENT

elsevier
lexisNexis Risk Solutions
lexisNexis legal & Professional
Reed exhibitions
Reed Business information
Total

Expenditure on
acquired goodwill and
intangible assets

Capital
expenditure
additions

Amortisation
of acquired
intangible assets

Depreciation and
other amortisation

2011
€m
50
–
–
41
612
703

2010
€m
15
–
41
7
1
64

2011
€m
108
27
234
25
20
414

2010
€m
95
36
210
14
14
369

2011
€m
83
179
90
28
33
413

2010
€m
88
174
84
27
35
408

2011
€m
80
29
100
12
17
238

2010
€m
87
34
110
16
30
277

Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and internally developed intangible assets. Amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets includes amounts in respect of joint ventures of €5m (2010: €4m) in Reed exhibitions. Other than the 
depreciation and amortisation above, non cash items include €31m charge (2010: €8m credit) relating to the recognition of share based 
remuneration and comprise €6m charge (2010 €m: €2m credit) in elsevier, €4m charge (2010: €2m charge) in lexisNexis Risk 
Solutions, €7m charge (2010: €1m credit) in lexisNexis legal & Professional; €3m charge (2010: €1m credit) in Reed exhibitions, 
€2m charge (2010: €4m credit) in Reed Business information and €9m charge (2010: €2m credit) in Corporate.

ANAlYsIs OF NON-CuRRENT AssETs BY gEOgRAPHICAl lOCATION

North America
united Kingdom
the Netherlands
Rest of europe
Rest of world
Total

2011
€m

8,381
620
148
940
350
10,439

2010
€m

7,858
533
164
996
246
9,797

Non-current assets by geographical location exclude amounts relating to derivative financial instruments, deferred tax assets and net 
pension assets.

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130

FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION
NOteS tO the SummARy COmBiNed FiNANCiAl iNFORmAtiON iN euROS

Notes to the summary combined financial information  
in euros

2  Pension schemes

the pension expense recognised within the income statement comprises:

Service cost (including curtailment credits of €10m (2010: €20m))
interest on pension scheme liabilities
expected return on scheme assets

Net defined benefit pension expense
defined contribution pension expense
Total pension expense

2011
€m

65
231
(270)

26
45
71

2010
€m

56
224
(254)

26
37
63

the amount recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension schemes at the start and end of the 
year and the movements during the year were as follows:

At start of year
Service cost 
interest on pension scheme liabilities
expected return on scheme assets
Actuarial (loss)/gain
Contributions by employer
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
exchange translation differences
At end of year

Defined 
benefit 
obligations
€m

2011

Fair value 
of scheme 
assets
€m

Net pension 
obligations
€m

defined 
benefit 
obligations
€m

2010

Fair value 
of scheme 
assets
€m

Net pension 
obligations 
€m

(4,302)
(65)
(231)
–
(90)
–
(13)
162
(112)
(4,651)

4,103
–
–
270
(40)
76
13
(162)
101
4,361

(199)
(65)
(231)
270
(130)
76
–
–
(11)
(290)

(3,698)
(56)
(224)
–
(306)
–
(13)
163
(168)
(4,302)

3,435
–
–
254
232
180
13
(163)
152
4,103

(263)
(56)
(224)
254
(74)
180
–
–
(16)
(199)

the net pension obligations of €290m (2010: €199m) at 31 december 2011 comprise schemes in deficit with net pension obligations of 
€290m (2010: €263m) and schemes in surplus with net pension assets of nil (2010: €64m).

As at 31 december 2011 the defined benefit obligations comprise €4,465m (2010: €4,131m) in relation to funded schemes and €186m 
(2010: €171m) in relation to unfunded schemes.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

131

3  Adjusted figures

Reed elsevier uses adjusted figures as additional performance measures. Adjusted figures are stated before amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets, exceptional restructuring and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items, 
related tax effects and movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and 
includes the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Adjusted operating profit is also 
grossed up to exclude the equity share of taxes in joint ventures. exceptional restructuring costs in 2010 relate to the restructuring of the 
Reed Business information business. Acquisition related costs relate to acquisition integration and professional and other transaction 
related fees and adjustments to deferred and contingent consideration.

Adjusted operating cash flow is measured after net capital expenditure and dividends from joint ventures but before payments in 
relation to exceptional restructuring and acquisition related costs.

Operating profit
Adjustments:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
Share of profit on disposals in joint ventures
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures

Adjusted operating profit

Profit before tax
Adjustments:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures
disposals and other non operating items

Adjusted profit before tax

Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjustments (post tax):

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
disposals and other non operating items
deferred tax credits on acquired intangible assets not expected to crystallise in the near term

Adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders

Cash generated from operations
dividends received from joint ventures
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
expenditure on internally developed intangible assets
Payments in relation to exceptional restructuring costs
Payments in relation to acquisition related costs
Adjusted operating cash flow

2011
€m

1,386

413
–
59
(1)
13
1,870

2010
€m

1,275

408
67
58
–
11
1,819

1,090

898

413
–
59
13
25
1,600

408
67
58
11
54
1,496

874

751

408
–
38
19
(120)
1,219

1,995
38
(98)
8
(305)
60
44
1,742

394
44
35
43
(117)
1,150

1,929
28
(97)
8
(267)
116
60
1,777

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132

FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION
NOteS tO the SummARy COmBiNed FiNANCiAl iNFORmAtiON iN euROS

Notes to the summary combined financial information  
in euros

4  Statement of cash flows

RECONCIlIATION OF OPERATINg PROFIT BEFORE jOINT vENTuREs TO CAsH gENERATED FROM OPERATIONs

Operating profit before joint ventures

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of internally developed intangible assets
depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Share based remuneration
Total non cash items

decrease in inventories and pre-publication costs
decrease in receivables
decrease in payables
Decrease in working capital
Cash generated from operations

CAsH FlOw ON ACquIsITIONs

Purchase of businesses
investment in joint ventures
deferred payments relating to prior year acquisitions
Total

RECONCIlIATION OF NET BORROwINgs

2011
€m

1,351

408
152
86
31
677

37
(42)
(28)
(33)
1,995

2011
€m

(523)
(1)
(29)
(553)

2010
€m

1,250

404 
185
92
(8)
673

40
28
(62)
6
1,929

2010
€m

(44)
–
(14)
(58)

Cash & cash 
equivalents
€m

Borrowings
€m

Related 
derivative 
financial 
instruments
€m

2011
€m

2010
€m

At start of year 

868

(5,034)

123

(4,043)

(4,402)

increase in cash and cash equivalents
Net movement in short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Repayment of other loans
Repayment of finance leases
Change in net borrowings resulting from cash flows

Borrowings in acquired businesses
inception of finance leases
Fair value adjustments to borrowings and related derivatives
exchange translation differences
At end of year

(51)
–
–
–
(51)

–
–
–
54
871

–
(241)
285
25
69

(21)
(9)
(11)
(132)
(5,138)

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
20
5
148

(51)
(241)
285
25
18

(21)
(9)
9
(73)
(4,119)

–
168
461
8
637

–
(2)
13
(289)
(4,043)

Net borrowings comprise cash and cash equivalents, loan capital, finance leases, promissory notes, bank and other loans, and those 
derivative financial instruments that are used to hedge the fair value of fixed rate borrowings.

Cash and cash equivalents include €5m (2010: €5m) held in trust to satisfy liabilities in respect of change of control obligations related 
to the acquisition of ChoicePoint.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

133

5  Acquisitions

during the year a number of acquisitions were made for a total consideration of €566m (2010: €51m), after taking account of net cash 
acquired of €28m, the most significant of which was the acquisition of Accuity inc. for €381m, net of cash acquired, which completed on  
1 November 2011. the net assets of the businesses acquired are incorporated at their fair value to the combined businesses. Provisional 
fair values of the consideration given and of the assets and liabilities acquired are summarised below.

Goodwill
intangible assets
Property, plant & equipment
Current assets
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Current tax
deferred  tax
Net assets acquired
Consideration (after taking account of €28m net cash acquired)
less: consideration deferred to future years
less: acquisition date fair value of equity interest
Net cash flow

Fair 
value 
2011
€m

345
358
1
27
(53)
(21)
(1)
(90)
566
566
(31)
(12)
523

Fair
value
2010
€m

32
32
–
–
(2)
–
–
(11)
51
51
(6)
–
45

Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents benefits which do not 
qualify for recognition as intangible assets, including the ability of a business to generate higher returns than individual assets, skilled 
workforces, acquisition synergies that are specific to Reed elsevier, and high barriers to market entry. in addition, goodwill arises on the 
recognition of deferred tax liabilities in respect of intangible assets for which amortisation does not qualify for tax deductions.

the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired are provisional pending the completion of the valuation exercises. Final fair values 
will be incorporated in the 2012 combined financial statements. there were no significant adjustments to the provisional fair values of 
prior year acquisitions established in 2010. 

the businesses acquired in 2011 contributed €39m to revenue, increased adjusted operating profit by €9m, increased adjusted profit 
attributable by €9m, decreased profit attributable by €12m, and contributed €8m to net cash inflow from operating activities for the part 
year under Reed elsevier ownership and before taking account of acquisition financing costs. had the businesses been acquired at the 
beginning of the year, on a pro forma basis the Reed elsevier revenues, adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit attributable and profit 
attributable for the year would have been €6,975m, €1,889m, €1,232m and €887m respectively before taking account of acquisition 
financing costs.

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134 FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION

NOteS tO the SummARy COmBiNed FiNANCiAl iNFORmAtiON iN euROS

Notes to the summary combined financial information  
in euros

6  Borrowings

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:

Short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Finance leases
Other loans

Other loans in fair value hedging relationships
Other loans previously in fair value hedging relationships
Total

2011

Falling due 
within  
1 year
€m

Falling due in 
more than  
1 year
€m

715
2
461
–
–
1,178

–
7
1,759
1,445
749
3,960

2010

Falling due 
within  
1 year
€m

Falling due in 
more than  
1 year
€m

444
8
152
–
–
604

–
18
2,274
1,402
736
4,430

Total
€m

715
9
2,220
1,445
749
5,138

total
€m

444
26
2,426
1,402
736
5,034

the total fair value of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost is €3,294m (2010: €3,271m). the total fair value of other loans in 
fair value hedging relationships is €1,484m (2010: €1,496m). the total fair value of other loans previously in fair value hedging 
relationships is €848m (2010: €801m).

Analysis by year of repayment

2011

2010

short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts and 
commercial 
paper
€m

Other loans
€m

Finance 
leases
€m

715

–
–
–
–
–
–
715

461

742
870
226
481
1,634
3,953
4,414

2

3
3
1
–
–
7
9

Short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts and 
commercial 
paper
€m

Other loans
€m

Finance 
leases
€m

444

–
–
–
–
–
–
444

152

447
744
965
220
2,036
4,412
4,564

8

8
10
–
–
–
18
26

Total
€m

1,178

745
873
227
481
1,634
3,960
5,138

total
€m

604

455
754
965
220
2,036
4,430
5,034

Within 1 year

Within 1 to 2 years
Within 2 to 3 years
Within 3 to 4 years
Within 4 to 5 years
After 5 years

Total

Short term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper were backed up at 31 december 2011 by a $2,000m (€1,548m) committed bank 
facility maturing in June 2014, which was undrawn.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

135

6  Borrowings continued

Analysis by currency

uS dollars
£ sterling
euro
Other currencies
Total

2011

2010

short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts and 
commercial 
paper
€m

Other loans
€m

Finance 
leases
€m

582
–
109
24
715

2,918
876
620
–
4,414

9
–
–
–
9

Short term 
bank loans, 
overdrafts and 
commercial 
paper
€m

Other loans
€m

Finance 
leases
€m

263
–
144
37
444

3,002
827
735
–
 4,564

26
–
–
–
26

Total
€m

3,509
876
729
24
5,138

total
€m

3,291
827
879
37
5,034

included in the uS dollar amounts for other loans above is €435m (2010: €425m) of debt denominated in Swiss francs (ChF 500m; 2010: 
ChF 500m) that was swapped into uS dollars on issuance and against which there are related derivative financial instruments which, as 
at 31 december 2011, had a fair value of €100m (2010: €100m).

7  Provisions

At start of year
Charged
utilised
exchange translation differences
At end of year

2011

Property
€m

Restructuring
€m

123
18
(14)
4
131

63
–
(42)
–
21

Total
€m

186
18
(56)
4
152

2010

Property
€m

Restructuring
€m

99
42
(26)
8
123

120
36
(96)
3
63

Property provisions relate to estimated sub-lease shortfalls and guarantees given in respect of certain property leases for various 
periods up to 2024. 

At 31 december 2011 provisions are included within current and non-current liabilities as follows:

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total

2011
€m

47
105
152

total
€m

219
78
(122)
11
186

2010
€m

83
103
186

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136 FINANCIAl sTATEMENTs AND OTHER INFORMATION

NOteS tO the COmBiNed FiNANCiAl iNFORmAtiON iN euROS

Notes to the summary combined financial information  
in euros

8  Other combined reserves

At start of year 
Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
dividends paid
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
tax recognised directly in equity
increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
Settlement of share awards
transfer from hedge reserve to net profit (net of tax)
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
exchange translation differences
At end of year

9  Exchange rates

Sterling to euro
uS dollars to euro

Hedge 
reserve
2011
€m

Other 
reserves
2011
€m

(79)
–
–
–
(28)
–
6
–
–
43
–
–
(58)

(569)
874
(572)
(130)
–
(1)
42
31
(8)
–
(49)
9
(373)

Total
2011
€m

(648)
874
(572)
(130)
(28)
(1)
48
31
(8)
43
(49)
9
(431)

total
2010
€m

(753)
751
(565)
(74)
(68)
–
34
(8)
(11)
54
–
(8)
(648)

Income statement

2011

0.87
1.39

2010

0.85
1.32

statement of
financial position

2011

0.83
1.29

2010

0.85
1.33

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

137

Reed Elsevier PLC 
Annual Report and 
Financial Statements

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In this section 

138 Directors’ report
144 Consolidated financial statements
148 Group accounting policies
149 Notes to the consolidated  
financial statements

156 Independent auditor’s report on the 

consolidated financial statements
157 Parent company financial statements
158 Notes to the parent company  

financial statements

159 Independent auditor’s report on the 
company financial statements

160 5 year summary

Company number: 77536

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138 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Directors’ report

The directors present their report, together with the financial 
statements of the group and company, for the year ended 
31 December 2011.

As a consequence of the merger of the company’s businesses  
with those of Reed elsevier Nv in 1993, described on page 55, the 
shareholders of Reed elsevier PlC and Reed elsevier Nv can be 
regarded as having the interests of a single economic group.  
The Reed elsevier combined financial statements represent the 
combined interests of both sets of shareholders and encompass 
the businesses of Reed elsevier Group plc, elsevier Reed Finance 
Bv and their respective subsidiaries, associates and joint 
ventures, together with the parent companies, Reed elsevier PlC 
and Reed elsevier Nv (“the combined businesses” or “Reed 
elsevier”). This directors’ report and the financial statements of 
the group and company should be read in conjunction with the 
combined financial statements and other reports set out on pages 
1 to 122. A review of the Reed elsevier combined businesses and 
their performance in the year is set out on pages 8 to 28, a 
summary of the principal risks facing Reed elsevier is set out on 
pages 48 to 50, and the Reed elsevier statement on Corporate 
Responsibility is set out on pages 29 to 38.

Principal activities
The company is a holding company and its principal investments 
are its direct 50% shareholding in Reed elsevier Group plc and 
39% shareholding in elsevier Reed Finance Bv, which are engaged 
in publishing and information activities and financing activities 
respectively. The remaining shareholdings in these two 
companies are held by Reed elsevier Nv. Reed elsevier PlC also 
has an indirect equity interest in Reed elsevier Nv. Reed elsevier 
PlC and Reed elsevier Nv have retained their separate legal 
identities and are publicly held companies. Reed elsevier PlC’s 
securities are listed in london and New York and Reed elsevier 
Nv’s securities are listed in Amsterdam and New York.

Financial statement presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Reed elsevier PlC 
include the 52.9% economic interest that shareholders have under 
the equalisation arrangements in the Reed elsevier combined 
businesses, accounted for on an equity basis.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, dividends paid to Reed 
elsevier PlC and Reed elsevier Nv shareholders are, other than in 
special circumstances, equalised at the gross level inclusive of the 
UK tax credit received by certain Reed elsevier PlC shareholders. 
Because of the tax credit, Reed elsevier PlC normally requires 
proportionately less cash to fund its net dividend than Reed 
elsevier Nv does to fund its gross dividend. An adjustment is 
therefore required in the consolidated income statement of Reed 
elsevier PlC to share this tax benefit between the two sets of 
shareholders in accordance with the equalisation agreement. The 
equalisation adjustment arises on dividends paid by Reed elsevier 
PlC to its shareholders and it reduced the consolidated attributable 
earnings by £13m (2010: £13m), being 47.1% of the total amount of 
the tax credit.

In addition to the reported figures, adjusted profit figures are 
presented as additional performance measures used by 
management. These exclude the tax credit equalisation 
adjustment and, in relation to the results of joint ventures, the 
company’s share of amortisation of acquired intangible assets, 
acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non 
operating items, related tax effects and movements in deferred 
taxation assets and liabilities not expected to crystallise in the 
near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where 
available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets.

consolidated income statement
Reed elsevier PlC’s shareholders’ 52.9% share of the adjusted 
profit before tax of the Reed elsevier combined businesses was 
£736m (2010: £677m). Reported profit before tax, including the 
Reed elsevier PlC shareholders’ share of amortisation charges, 
acquisition related costs and disposals and other non operating 
items, was £390m (2010: £328m). The increase reflects the 
improved trading performance, lower interest costs and no 
exceptional restructuring costs in 2011. 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

139

At elsevier, Science & Technology reported good growth in 
research and databases. Health Sciences underlying revenues 
were flat, with double digit revenue growth in electronic revenue 
across all segments offset by declines in print book sales to 
individuals and in pharma promotion. lexisNexis Risk Solutions 
achieved good growth in insurance data & analytics and business 
services, although screening revenues slowed in the second half 
reflecting US hiring trends, and federal government markets 
remained under pressure. lexisNexis legal & Professional 
revenues returned to slight underlying growth in both the US and 
internationally, with growth in research and litigation tools and  
in practice management, and moderating declines in news and 
business to corporate customers and in electronic listings.  
Reed exhibitions saw good growth across all geographies, 
excluding biennial cycling. Reed Business Information returned  
to underlying revenue growth, with strong growth in data services 
mostly offset by continued weakness in print advertising. The 
overall adjusted operating margin was 1.4 percentage points 
higher despite additional spending on new product development 
and sales & marketing, reflecting the sale and closure of low 
returning assets and continued focus on process efficiency and 
procurement savings, and the benefit of prior year restructuring 
and currency effects.

Reed elsevier PlC’s shareholders’ share of the adjusted profit 
attributable of the combined businesses was £561m (2010: £520m). 
After deducting the company’s share of the post tax charge for 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets, and acquisition related 
costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items 
and deferred taxes not expected to crystallise in the near term,  
the reported net profit for the year was £389m (2010: £327m). 

Adjusted earnings per share increased 8% to 46.7p (2010: 43.4p). 
At constant rates of exchange, the adjusted earnings per share 
were 6% higher. Including the effect of the tax credit equalisation 
as well as amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition 
related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating 
items, and tax adjustments, the basic earnings per share were 
32.4p (2010: 27.3p).

consolidated statement of financial position
The consolidated statement of financial position of Reed elsevier 
PlC reflects its 52.9% economic interest in the net assets of Reed 
elsevier which as at 31 December 2011 was £1,149m (2010: 
£1,028m). The £121m increase in net assets reflects the 
company’s share in the attributable profits of Reed elsevier 
partially offset by dividends paid.

dividends
The Board is recommending an equalised final dividend of  
15.9p per ordinary share (2010: 15.0p). This gives total ordinary 
dividends for the year of 21.55p (2010: 20.4p). The final dividend  
will be paid on 21 May 2012 to shareholders on the Register on  
27 April 2012.

Dividend cover, based on adjusted earnings per share and the  
total interim and proposed final dividends for the year, is 2.2 times. 
The Boards of the company and Reed elsevier Nv have adopted 
dividend policies in recent years in respect of their equalised 
dividends that, subject to currency considerations, grow dividends 
broadly in line with adjusted earnings per share whilst maintaining 
dividend cover (being the number of times the annual dividend is 
covered by the adjusted earnings per share) of at least 2.0 times 
over the longer term.

The total dividend paid on the ordinary shares in the financial year 
was £248m (2010: £245m).

Parent company financial statements
The individual parent company financial statements of Reed 
elsevier PlC are presented on pages 157 to 159, and are prepared 
under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). 
Parent company shareholders’ funds as at 31 December 2011 
were £3,163m (2010: £2,791m).

corporate Governance
The company has complied throughout the year with the 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code issued in  
May 2010 (the “UK Code”). The UK Code is publicly available at  
www.frc.org.uk. Details of how the principles of the UK Code have 
been applied and the directors’ statement on internal control are 
set out in the Structure and Corporate Governance report on 
pages 55 to 61.

Details of the role and responsibilities, membership and activities 
of the Reed elsevier Audit Committees, including the company’s 
Audit Committee, are set out in the Report of the Audit Committees 
on pages 80 to 82.

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140 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Directors’ report

directors
The following served as directors of the company during the year:

A J Habgood (Chairman)
e engstrom (Chief executive Officer)
M H Armour (Chief Financial Officer)
M W elliott
A N Hennah (appointed 20 April 2011)
l Hook
R B Polet
Sir David Reid (senior independent director)
lord Sharman of Redlynch OBe (retired 20 April 2011)
B van der veer

Biographical details of the directors at the date of this report are 
given on pages 52 and 53.

Directors are appointed in accordance with the Articles of 
Association, which provides that any director appointed during  
the year holds office only until the next following Annual General 
Meeting and is then eligible for election by the shareholders.  
The company’s Articles of Association provide that at every Annual 
General Meeting of the company, one third of the directors (or if their 
number is not a multiple of three the number nearest to one third) 
shall retire from office and, if they wish, put themselves up for 
re-election by the shareholders. The UK Code, applicable in respect 
of the company’s financial year beginning 1 January 2011, 
recommends that all directors should seek re-election by 
shareholders annually. Accordingly, the Board implemented this 
provision with effect from the Annual General Meeting in April 2011.

The office of director shall be vacated if he or she: (i) resigns; (ii) 
becomes bankrupt or compounds with his or her creditors 
generally; (iii) is or may be suffering from a mental illness; (iv) is 
prohibited by law from being a director; or (v) is removed from 
office pursuant to the company’s Articles of Association. Subject 
to the shareholders’ rights to appoint individuals to the Board in 
accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, no 
individual may be appointed to the Board unless such appointment 
is recommended by the Nominations Committee.

At the Annual General Meeting held in April 2011, Adrian Hennah 
was appointed a non-executive director and lord Sharman retired 
as a non-executive director.

In accordance with the provisions of the UK Code, all directors will 
retire from the Board at the Annual General Meeting in 2012 and, 
being eligible, they will each offer themselves for re-election. 
Taking into account the assessment by the Corporate Governance 
Committee of the qualifications, performance and effectiveness of 
each individual director seeking re-election, the Board has 
accepted a recommendation from the Nominations Committee 
that each director be proposed for re-election at the 2012 Annual 
General Meeting.

The Board, in conjunction with external recruitment consultants, 
has been conducting a search for a suitable candidate as a 
non-executive director and, on the recommendation of the 
Nominations Committee. David Brennan will be proposed for 
appointment as a non-executive director of Reed elsevier PlC  
and as a member of the Supervisory Board of Reed elsevier Nv, with 
effect from 1 November 2012 at the Reed elsevier PlC and Reed 
elsevier Nv Annual General Meetings in April 2012. Mr Brennan was 
appointed chief executive officer of AstraZeneca PlC in 2006. He 
has over 35 years experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and 
in the development, manufacturing and commercialisation of 
innovative medicines. Mr Brennan will bring highly relevant 
experience to our board discussions. Subject to his appointment at 
the Annual General Meetings, he will also be appointed a 
non-executive director of Reed elsevier Group plc.

The notice period applicable to the service contracts of  
e engstrom and M H Armour is 12 months. The remaining 
directors seeking re-election at the 2012 Annual General  
Meeting do not have service contracts.

Details of directors’ remuneration and their interests in the share 
capital of the company are provided in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 63 to 79.

share capital
The company’s issued share capital comprises a single class of 
ordinary shares, all of which are listed on the london Stock 
exchange. All issued shares are fully paid up and carry no 
additional obligations or special rights. each share carries the 
right to one vote at general meetings of the company. In a general 
meeting, subject to any rights and restrictions attached to any 
shares, on a show of hands every member who is present in 
person shall have one vote and every proxy present who has been 
duly appointed by one or more members entitled to vote on the 
resolution has one vote (although a proxy has one vote for and one 
vote against the resolution if: (i) the proxy has been duly appointed 
by more than one member entitled to vote on the resolution; and (ii) 
the proxy has been instructed by one or more of those members to 
vote for the resolution and by one or more other of those members 
to vote against it). Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to 
any shares, on a vote on a resolution on a poll every member 
present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share of 
which he is the holder. Proxy appointments and voting instructions 
must be received by the company’s registrars not less than 48 
hours before a general meeting. There are no specific restrictions 
on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are 
both governed by the general provisions of the Articles of 
Association and prevailing legislation. The company is not aware 
of any agreements between shareholders that may result in 
restrictions on the transfer of shares or on voting rights attached 
to the shares.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

141

At the 2011 Annual General Meeting, shareholders passed a 
resolution authorising the directors to allot shares up to a nominal 
value of £9m, representing less than 5% of the company’s issued 
share capital. Since the 2011 Annual General Meeting no shares 
have been issued under this authority. The shareholder authority 
also permitted the directors to allot shares in order to satisfy 
entitlements under employee share plans, and details of such 
allotments are noted below. The authority to allot shares will 
expire at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, and a resolution to 
further extend the authority will be submitted to the shareholders 
at the 2012 Annual General Meeting.

During the year, 1,627,341 ordinary shares in the company were 
issued in order to satisfy entitlements under employee share 
plans as follows:

ƒƒ 337,841 under a UK SAYe share option scheme at prices 

between 401.6p and 504.0p per share.

ƒƒ 1,286,962 under executive share option schemes at prices 

between 451.5p and 542.0p per share.

ƒƒ 2,538 under lTIP scheme at 487.25p per share.

The issued share capital as at 31 December 2011 is shown in note 
12 to the consolidated financial statements.

authority to purchase shares 
At the 2011 Annual General Meeting, shareholders passed a 
resolution authorising the purchase of up to 124.9 million ordinary 
shares in the company (representing less than 10% of the issued 
ordinary shares) by market purchase. No shares were purchased 
under this authority during the year. As at 31 December 2011 there 
were 34,196,298 ordinary shares held in treasury, representing 
2.73% of the issued ordinary shares. The authority to make market 
purchases will expire at the 2012 Annual General Meeting, and a 
resolution to further extend the authority will be submitted to the 
shareholders at the 2012 Annual General Meeting.

substantial share interests
As at 15 February 2012, the company had been notified by the 
following shareholders that they held an interest of 3% or more in 
voting rights of the issued share capital of the company:

ƒƒ lloyds Banking Group plc

ƒƒ BlackRock Inc.

ƒƒ Silchester International Investment

ƒƒ legal & General Group plc

6.90%

5.02%

3.99%

3.40%

The percentage interests stated above are as disclosed at the date 
on which the interests were notified to the company.

Employee benefit trust
The Trustee of the Reed elsevier Group plc employee Benefit Trust 
held an interest in 14,051,025 ordinary shares in the company 
(representing 1.12% of the issued ordinary shares) as at 31 
December 2011. The Trustee may vote or abstain from voting any 
shares it holds in any way it sees fit.

significant agreements – change of control
The Governing Agreement between Reed elsevier PlC and Reed 
elsevier Nv states that upon a change of control of Reed elsevier 
PlC (for these purposes, the acquisition by a third party of 50% or 
more of the issued share capital having voting rights), should there 
not be a comparable offer from the offeror for Reed elsevier Nv, 
Reed elsevier Nv may serve notice upon Reed elsevier PlC 
varying certain provisions of the Governing Agreement, including 
the governance and the standstill provisions.

There are a number of borrowing agreements including credit 
facilities that in the event of a change of control of both Reed 
elsevier PlC and Reed elsevier Nv and, in some cases, a 
consequential credit rating downgrade to sub-investment grade 
may, at the option of the lenders, require repayment and/or 
cancellation as appropriate.

Powers of directors
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the 
company’s Articles of Association and any directions given by 
special resolutions, the business of the company shall be 
managed by the Board which may exercise all the powers of the 
company.

directors’ indemnity
In accordance with the company’s Articles of Association, the 
company has granted directors an indemnity, to the extent 
permitted by law, in respect of liabilities incurred as a result of 
their office. The company also purchased and maintained 
throughout the year Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance in 
respect of itself and its directors.

Related party transactions
Internal controls are in place to ensure that any related party 
transactions involving directors or their connected persons are 
carried out on an arm’s length basis and are properly recorded.

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142

FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon
ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Directors’ report

conflict of interest
The company’s Articles of Association permit the Board to approve 
situations where a director has an interest that conflicts, or may 
possibly conflict, with the interests of the company. The Board has 
established a formal system whereby the Nominations Committee 
considers and decides whether to authorise any such conflict or 
potential conflict, and whether to impose limits or conditions when 
giving authorisation. In reaching its decision, the Nominations 
Committee is required to act in a way it considers would be most 
likely to promote the success of the company.

creditor payment policy
Reed elsevier companies agree terms and conditions for business 
transactions with suppliers, including the terms of payment. Reed 
elsevier does not operate a standard code in respect of payments 
to suppliers. The average time taken to pay suppliers during the 
year was between 30 and 45 days (2010: between 30 and 45 days).

charitable donations
Through the Reed elsevier Cares programme, which concentrates 
on education for disadvantaged young people, Reed elsevier 
companies made donations during the year for charitable 
purposes amounting to £2.4m (2010: £2.3m) of which £0.5m  
(2010: £0.5m) was in the United Kingdom. Further information 
concerning the Reed elsevier Cares programme is available  
from the Reed elsevier Corporate Responsibility Report at  
reporting.reedelsevier.com/cr11

Political donations
Reed elsevier does not make donations to eU political 
organisations or incur eU political expenditure. In the United 
States, Reed elsevier companies donated £53,550 (2010: £53,000) 
to political organisations. In line with US law, these donations were 
not made at federal level, but only to candidates and political 
parties at the state and local levels.

Financial statements and accounting records
The directors are responsible for preparing the directors’ report 
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors 
are required to prepare the consolidated financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the european Union and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation 
and have elected to prepare the parent company financial 
statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors 
must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of 
the profit or loss of the company for that period.

In preparing the parent company financial statements, the 
directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and 
then apply them consistently; make judgments and accounting 
estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether 
applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures being disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on a 
going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the 
company will continue in business.

In preparing the group financial statements, IAS1 requires that 
directors: properly select and apply accounting policies; present 
information, including accounting policies, in a manner that 
provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; provide additional disclosures when compliance with 
the specific requirements in IFRSs are insufficient to enable users 
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events 
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial 
performance; and make an assessment of the company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

143

A commentary on the Reed elsevier combined businesses’  
cash flows, financial position and liquidity for the year ended  
31 December 2011 is set out in the Chief Financial Officer’s Report  
on pages 42 to 44. This shows that, after taking account of 
available cash resources and committed bank facilities that back 
up short term borrowings, none of Reed elsevier’s borrowings fall 
due within the next two years. Reed elsevier’s policies on liquidity, 
capital management and management of risks relating to interest 
rate, foreign exchange and credit exposures are set out on pages 
46 and 47. Further information on liquidity of the combined 
businesses can be found in note 18 of the combined financial 
statements. The principal risks facing Reed elsevier are set out on 
pages 48 to 50.

auditors
Resolutions for the re-appointment of Deloitte llP as auditors of 
the company and to authorise the directors to fix their 
remuneration will be submitted to shareholders at the 2012 
Annual General Meeting.

By order of the Board 

Registered Office

henry Udow 
Secretary 
15 February 2012 

1-3 Strand
london 
WC2N 5JR

directors’ responsibility statement
The Board confirms that to the best of its knowledge:

ƒƒ the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted 
by the european Union, give a true and fair view of the financial 
position and profit or loss of the group; and

ƒƒ the directors’ report includes a fair review of the development 
and performance of the business and the position of the group, 
together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

Neither the company nor the directors accept any liability to any 
person in relation to the Annual Report except to the extent that 
such liability could arise under english law. Accordingly, any 
liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any untrue 
or misleading statement or omission shall be determined in 
accordance with Section 90A of the Financial Services and 
Markets Act 2000.

disclosure of information to auditors
As part of the process of approving the company’s 2011 financial 
statements, the directors have taken steps pursuant to section 
418(2) of the Companies Act 2006 to ensure that they are aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s 
auditors are aware of that information. In that context, so far as the 
directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of 
which the company’s auditors are unaware.

Going concern
The directors, having made appropriate enquiries, consider that 
adequate resources exist for the combined businesses to continue 
in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that, 
therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the 2011 financial statements. In reaching this 
conclusion, the directors have had due regard to the combined 
businesses’ financial position as at 31 December 2011, the strong 
free cash flow of the combined businesses, Reed elsevier’s  
ability to access capital markets and the principal risks facing 
Reed elsevier.

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144 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Consolidated income statement

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Administrative expenses
effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings
Share of results of joint ventures

Operating profit
Finance income

Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Note

1
2
11

5

6

2011
£m

(2)
(13)
404

389
1

390
(1)
389

2010
£m

(2)
(13)
342

327
1

328
(1)
327

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Share of joint ventures’ other comprehensive (expense)/income for year
total comprehensive income for the year

2011
£m

389
(14)
375

2010
£m

327
25
352

Earnings per ordinary share

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

Note

8
8

2011
pence

32.4
32.1

2010
pence

27.3
27.1

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

145

Consolidated statement of cash flows

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

cash flows from operating activities
Cash used by operations
Interest received
Tax paid
net cash used in operating activities

cash flows from investing activities
Dividends received from joint ventures
Increase in investment in joint ventures
net cash received from/(used in) investing activities

cash flows from financing activities
equity dividends paid
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares
(Increase)/decrease in net funding balances due from joint ventures
net cash from financing activities

Note

10

11
11

7

10

2011
£m

2010
£m

(2)
1
(1)
(2)

600
–
600

(248)
8
(358)
(598)

(2)
1
(3)
(4)

589
(596)
(7)

(245)
9
247
11

movement in cash and cash equivalents

–

–

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146 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 dEcEmBER

non-current assets
Investments in joint ventures
total assets

current liabilities
Taxation
total liabilities
net assets

capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Shares held in treasury (including in joint ventures)
Capital redemption reserve
Translation reserve
Other reserves
total equity

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of directors, 15 February 2012.

a J habgood
Chairman

m h armour
Chief Financial Officer

Note

11

12

13

2011
£m

1,158
1,158

9
9
1,149

180
1,176
(308)
4
159
(62)
1,149

2010
£m

1,037
1,037

9
9
1,028

180
1,168
(312)
4
142
(154)
1,028

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

147

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

share
capital
£m

share
premium
£m

Note

shares
held in
treasury
£m

capital
redemption
reserve
£m

translation
reserve
£m

other
reserves
£m

total equity
£m

Balance at 1 January 2010
Total comprehensive income for the year 
equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expense
Share of joint ventures’ settlement of share 

awards by employee benefit trust

Share of joint ventures’ decrease in  

share based remuneration reserve

Balance at 1 January 2011
Total comprehensive income for the year
equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
Share of joint ventures’ settlement of share 

awards by employee benefit trust
Share of joint ventures’ increase in share 

based remuneration reserve
Share of joint ventures’ acquisition of  

non-controlling interests

equalisation adjustments
Balance at 31 december 2011

7

7

180
–
–
–

–

–

180
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
180

1,159
–
–
9

–

–

1,168
–
–
8

–

–

–
–
1,176

(317)
–
–
–

5

–

(312)
–
–
–

4

–

–
–
(308)

4
–
–
–

–

–

4
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
4

92
50
–
–

–

–

142
17
–
–

–

–

–
–
159

(202)
302
(245)
–

(5)

(4)

(154)
358
(248)
–

(4)

14

(23)
(5)
(62)

916
352
(245)
9

–

(4)

1,028
375
(248)
8

–

14

(23)
(5)
1,149

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148 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Group accounting policies

Basis of preparation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention in accordance with applicable 
accounting standards. They report the consolidated statements of 
income, cash flow and financial position of Reed elsevier PlC, and 
have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the european Union 
and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
(IASB). 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis, as explained on page 143.

Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts shown in the financial 
statements are in millions of pounds.

The basis of the merger of the businesses of Reed elsevier PlC 
and Reed elsevier Nv is set out on page 55.

determination of profit
The Reed elsevier PlC share of the Reed elsevier combined 
results has been calculated on the basis of the 52.9% economic 
interest of the Reed elsevier PlC shareholders in the Reed 
elsevier combined businesses, after taking account of results 
arising in Reed elsevier PlC and its subsidiaries. Dividends paid  
to Reed elsevier PlC and Reed elsevier Nv shareholders are, 
other than in special circumstances, equalised at the gross level 
inclusive of the UK tax credit received by certain Reed elsevier 
PlC shareholders. 

In Reed elsevier PlC’s consolidated financial statements, an 
adjustment is required to equalise the benefit of the tax credit 
between the two sets of shareholders in accordance with the 
equalisation agreement. This equalisation adjustment arises  
on dividends paid by Reed elsevier PlC to its shareholders and 
reduces the consolidated attributable earnings by 47.1% of the 
total amount of the tax credit.

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
combined financial statements are set out on pages 88 to 93.

Investments
Reed elsevier PlC’s 52.9% economic interest in the net assets  
of the combined businesses has been shown on the statement  
of financial position as investments in joint ventures, net of the 
assets and liabilities reported as part of Reed elsevier PlC and  
its subsidiaries. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for 
using the equity method.

Foreign exchange translation
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate  
of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. At each 
statement of financial position date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rate prevailing on the statement of financial 
position date. exchange differences arising are recorded in the 
income statement. The exchange gains or losses relating to the 
retranslation of Reed elsevier PlC’s 52.9% economic interest  
in the net assets of the combined businesses are classified as 
equity and transferred to the translation reserve.

When foreign operations are disposed of, the related cumulative 
translation differences are recognised within the income 
statement in the period. 

taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax payable on the 
current year taxable profits, adjustments in respect of prior  
year taxable profits and the movements on deferred tax that are 
recognised in the income statement. Tax arising in joint ventures  
is included in the share of results of joint ventures.

The tax payable on current year taxable profits is calculated using 
the applicable tax rate that has been enacted, or substantively 
enacted, by the date of the statement of financial position.

Deferred tax is the tax arising on differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and 
their corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable 
profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability 
method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for  
all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that, based on current forecasts, it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
substantively enacted at the date of the statement of financial 
position. Full provision is made for deferred tax which would 
become payable on the distribution of retained profits from  
foreign subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures.

Movements in deferred tax are charged and credited in the income 
statement, except when they relate to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised 
in equity.

critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
Critical judgements in the preparation of the combined financial 
statements are set out on pages 91 to 93.

standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective
Recently issued standards, amendments and interpretations and 
their impact on future accounting policies and reporting have been 
considered on page 93 of the combined financial statements.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

149

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

1  Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses include £799,000 (2010: £742,000) paid in the year to Reed elsevier Group plc under a contract for the services 
of directors and administrative support. Reed elsevier PlC has no employees (2010: nil).

2  Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings

The tax credit equalisation adjustment arises on ordinary dividends paid by Reed elsevier PlC to its shareholders and reduces the 
consolidated profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by 47.1% of the total amount of the tax credit, as set out in the accounting 
policies on page 148.

3  Auditor’s remuneration

Audit fees payable by Reed elsevier PlC were £28,000 (2010: £27,000). Further information on the audit and non audit fees paid by the 
Reed elsevier combined businesses to Deloitte llP and its associates is set out in note 3 to the combined financial statements.

4  Related party transactions

All transactions with joint ventures, which are related parties of Reed elsevier PlC, are reflected in these financial statements. Key 
management personnel are also related parties and comprise the executive directors of Reed elsevier PlC. Transactions with key 
management personnel are set out in note 30 to the combined financial statements.

5  Finance income

Finance income from joint ventures

6  Taxation

UK corporation tax

2011
£m

1

2011
£m

1

A reconciliation of the notional tax charge based on the applicable rate of tax to the actual total tax expense is set out below.

Profit before tax
Tax at applicable rate 26.5% (2010: 28%)
Tax at applicable rate on share of results of joint ventures
Other
tax expense

2011
£m

390
103
(107)
5
1

2010
£m

1

2010
£m

1

2010
£m

328
92
(96)
5
1

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150 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

7  Equity dividends

oRdInaRY dIvIdEnds dEclaREd In thE YEaR

Ordinary shares 

Final for prior financial year
Interim for financial year

total

2011
pence

15.0p
5.65p
20.65p

2010
pence

15.0p
5.4p
20.4p

2011
£m

180
68
248

2010
£m

180
65
245

The directors of Reed elsevier PlC have proposed a final dividend of 15.9p (2010: 15.0p). The cost of funding the proposed final dividend is 
expected to be £191m. No liability has been recognised at the statement of financial position date.

oRdInaRY dIvIdEnds PaId and PRoPosEd RElatInG to thE FInancIal YEaR

Ordinary shares 
Interim (paid)
Final (proposed)

total

8  Earnings per ordinary share (“EPS”)

2011
pence

5.65p
15.9p
21.55p

2010
pence

5.4p
15.0p
20.4p

Basic earnings per share
Based on 52.9% interest in total operations  

of the combined businesses

diluted earnings per share

2011

2010

Weighted 
average  
number of
shares
(millions)

1,202.0

1,202.0
1,211.7

Earnings
£m

389

402
389

EPs
£m

32.4

33.4
32.1 

Weighted 
average  
number of
shares
(millions)

1,199.1

1,199.1
1,205.1

earnings
£m

327

340
327

ePS
£m

27.3

28.4
27.1

The diluted ePS figures are calculated after taking account of the effect of potential additional ordinary shares arising from share 
options and conditional shares. 

  
  
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

151

8  Earnings per ordinary share (“EPS”) continued

The weighted average number of shares is after deducting shares held in treasury. Movements in the number of shares in issue net of 
treasury shares for the year ended 31 December 2011 are shown below.

nUmBER oF oRdInaRY shaREs

Year ended 31 december

At start of year
Issue of ordinary shares
Net release of shares by employee benefit trust
at end of year
Weighted average number of equivalent ordinary shares during the year

9  Adjusted figures

shares in
issue
(millions)

1,249.3
1.6
–
1,250.9

treasury
shares
(millions)

(48.9)
–
0.6
(48.3)

2011
shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)

2010
Shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)

1,200.4
1.6
0.6
1,202.6
1,202.0

1,197.7
2.0
0.7
1,200.4
1,199.1

Adjusted profit and earnings per share figures are used by management as additional performance measures. The adjusted figures are 
derived as follows:

EaRnInGs PER shaRE

Reported figures
effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders based on 52.9% economic  

interest in the Reed elsevier combined businesses

Share of adjustments in joint ventures:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
Disposals and other non operating items
Deferred tax adjustments

adjusted figures

Profit attributable to 
ordinary shareholders

Basic earnings 
per share

2011 
£m

389
13

402

188
–
17
8
(54)
561

2010
£m

327
13

340

178
20
15
20
(53)
520

2011 
pence

32.4
1.0

2010
pence

27.3
1.1

33.4

28.4

15.6
–
1.5
0.7
(4.5)
46.7

14.8
1.7
1.2
1.7
(4.4)
43.4

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152 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

10  Statement of cash flows

REconcIlIatIon oF admInIstRatIvE ExPEnsEs to cash UsEd BY oPERatIons

Administrative expenses
cash used by operations

REconcIlIatIon oF nEt FUndInG BalancEs dUE FRom JoInt vEntUREs

At start of year
Cash flow
at end of year

11  Investments in joint ventures

REconcIlIatIon oF nEt FUndInG BalancEs dUE FRom JoInt vEntUREs

Share of results of joint ventures
Share of joint ventures’ other comprehensive (expense) /income
Share of joint ventures’ acquisition of non-controlling interests
Share of joint ventures’ increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
equalisation adjustments
Dividends received from joint ventures
Increase in investment in joint ventures
Increase/(decrease) in net funding balances due from joint ventures
Net movement in the year
At start of year
at end of year

2011
£m

(2)
(2)

2011
£m

274
358
632

2011
£m

404
(14)
(23)
14
(18)
(600)
–
358
121
1,037
1,158

2010
£m

(2)
(2)

2010
£m

521
(247)
274

2010
£m

342
25
–
(4)
(13)
(589)
596
(247)
110
927
1,037

During the year the company received a dividend of £600m from Reed elsevier Group plc.

Summarised information showing total amounts in respect of joint ventures and Reed elsevier PlC shareholders’ 52.9% share is set  
out below. 

Revenue
net profit for the year

total joint ventures

2011 
£m

6,002
767

2010
£m

6,055
648

Reed Elsevier Plc
shareholders’ share

2011 
£m

3,175
404

2010
£m

3,203 
342

Reed elsevier PlC’s share of joint ventures’ net profit attributable to parent company shareholders for the year excludes the net loss 
that arose directly in Reed elsevier PlC of £2m (2010: £2m). 

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

153

11  Investments in joint ventures continued

Total assets
Total liabilities
net assets
Attributable to:
Joint ventures
Non-controlling interests

Funding balances due from joint ventures
total

total joint ventures

Reed Elsevier Plc
shareholders’ share

2011 
£m

11,503
(9,306)
2,197

2,172
25
2,197

2010
£m

11,158
(9,188)
1,970

1,943

27  
1,970  

2011 
£m

6,085
(5,559)
526

526
–
526
632
1,158

2010
£m

5,903
(5,140)
763

763
–
763
274
1,037

The above amounts exclude assets and liabilities held directly by Reed elsevier PlC and include the counterparty balances of amounts 
owed to and by other Reed elsevier businesses. Included within Reed elsevier PlC’s share of assets and liabilities are cash and cash 
equivalents of £384m (2010: £393m) and borrowings of £2,265m (2010: £2,276m) respectively.

12  Share capital and shares held in treasury

aUthoRIsEd

Ordinary shares of 1451⁄116p each

Unclassified shares of 1451⁄116p each
total

no. of shares

1,250,913,565

788,785,984

All of the ordinary shares rank equally with respect to voting rights and rights to receive dividends. There are no restrictions on the 
rights to transfer shares.

callEd UP shaRE caPItal – IssUEd and FUllY PaId

At start of year
Issue of ordinary shares
at end of year

no. of shares

1,249,286,224
1,627,341
1,250,913,565

2011
£m

180
–
180

No. of shares

1,247,275,833
2,010,391
1,249,286,224

£m

180

114
294

2010
£m

180
–
180

The issue of ordinary shares relates to the exercise of share options. Details of share option and conditional share schemes are set out in 
note 6 to the Reed elsevier combined financial statements.

Details of shares held in treasury are provided in note 28 to the Reed elsevier combined financial statements. 

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154 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2011

13  Other reserves

At start of year
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Share of joint ventures’:

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Tax recognised directly in equity
Increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
Settlement of share awards by employee benefit trust
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Transfer to net profit from hedge reserve

equalisation adjustments
equity dividends paid
at end of year

2011
£m

(154)
389

(60)
(1)
(12)
22
14
(4)
(23)
20
(5)
(248)
(62)

2010
£m

(202)
327

(33)
–
(31)
15
(4)
(5)
–
24
–
(245)
(154)

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

155

14  Contingent liabilities

There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of joint ventures guaranteed by Reed elsevier PlC as follows:

Guaranteed jointly and severally with Reed Elsevier nv

2011
£m

3,920

2010
£m

3,924

Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 18 to the Reed elsevier 
combined financial statements.

15  Principal joint ventures

Reed Elsevier Group plc
Incorporated and operating in Great Britain
1-3 Strand
london WC2N 5JR
Holding company for operating businesses involved in 
science & medical, risk management, legal and business 
publishing and organisation of trade exhibitions
Elsevier Reed Finance Bv
Incorporated in the Netherlands
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam, the Netherlands  
Holding company for financing businesses

18,385 ordinary R shares
18,385 ordinary e shares
100,000 7.5% cumulative preference non voting shares

equivalent to a 50% equity interest

133 ordinary R shares
205 ordinary e shares

equivalent to a 39% equity interest

The e shares in Reed elsevier Group plc and elsevier Reed Finance Bv are owned by Reed elsevier Nv.

16  Principal subsidiary

Reed holding Bv
Incorporated in the Netherlands
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam, the Netherlands

191 ordinary shares

% holding

100%
–
100%

100%
–

% holding

100%

At 31 December 2011 Reed Holding Bv owned 4,303,179 (2010: 4,303,179) shares of a separate class in Reed elsevier Nv. The 
equalisation arrangements entered into between Reed elsevier PlC and Reed elsevier Nv at the time of the merger give Reed  
elsevier PlC a 5.8% economic interest in Reed elsevier Nv.

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156 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Independent auditor’s report on the consolidated  
financial statements to the members of Reed elsevier PlC

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of  
Reed elsevier PlC for the year ended 31 December 2011 (“the 
consolidated financial statements”), which comprise the 
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of cash flows, 
the consolidated statement of financial position, the consolidated 
statement of changes in equity, the group accounting policies and 
the related notes 1 to 16. The financial reporting framework that 
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") as adopted  
by the european Union. 

 This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, 
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
company’s members those matters we are required to state to 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as 
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation  
of the consolidated financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s ethical Standards for Auditors.

scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free  
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting  
policies are appropriate to the group’s circumstances and  
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 
directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the consolidated financial statements:

ƒƒ give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as  
at 31 December 2011 and of its profit for the year then ended;

ƒƒ have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the european Union; and

ƒƒ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of  
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

opinion on other matter prescribed by the companies act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the 
financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

ƒƒ certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

ƒƒ we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

Under the listing Rules we are required to review:

ƒƒ the directors’ statement, contained within the Structure and 
Corporate Governance report, in relation to going concern; 

ƒƒ the part of the Corporate Governance report relating to  

the company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the  
2008 Combined Code specified for our review; and

ƒƒ certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board  

on directors’ remuneration.

other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial 
statements of Reed elsevier PlC for the year ended 31 December 
2011 and on the information in the parts of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report presented in the Reed elsevier Annual 
Reports and Financial Statements 2011 that are described as 
having been audited.

Douglas King (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of 
deloitte llP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
london 
United Kingdom
15 February 2012

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Parent company balance sheet

as at 31 dEcEmBER

Fixed assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Investments in joint ventures

current assets
Debtors: amounts due from joint ventures

creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Taxation
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings

net current assets
net assets

capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Shares held in treasury
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Profit and loss reserve
shareholders’ funds

Note

1
1

157

2010
£m

309
2,304
2,613

274
274

(10)
 (9)
 (77)
 (96)
178
2,791

180
1,168
 (224)
4 
134 
1,529 
2,791

2011
£m

309
2,308
2,617

632
632

–
(9)
(77)
(86)
546
3,163

180
1,176
(224)
4
148
1,879
3,163

The parent company financial statements were approved by the Board of directors, 15 February 2012.

a J habgood
Chairman

m h armour
Chief Financial Officer

Parent company reconciliation of shareholders’ funds

At 1 January 2010
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
equity instruments granted to employees  

of combined businesses

At 1 January 2011
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
equity instruments granted to employees  

of combined businesses

at 31 december 2011

share
capital
£m

share
premium
account
£m

shares
held in
treasury
£m

capital
redemption
reserve
£m

other
reserves
£m

Profit
and loss
reserve
£m

180
–
–
–

–
180
–
–
–

–
180

1,159
–
–
9

–
1,168
–
–
8

–
1,176

(224)
–
–
–

–
(224)
–
–
–

–
(224)

4
–
–
–

–
4
–
–
–

–
4

138
–
–
–

(4)
134
–
–
–

14
148

1,187
587
(245)
–

–
1,529
598
(248)
–

–
1,879

total
£m

2,444
587
(245)
9

(4)
2,791
598
(248)
8

14
3,163

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158 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

Parent company accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The parent company financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention in accordance with UK 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP). Unless 
otherwise indicated, all amounts in the financial statements are  
in millions of pounds.

The parent company financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis, as explained on page 143.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the 
company has not presented its own profit and loss account.

The Reed elsevier PlC accounting policies under UK GAAP are  
set out below.

Investments
Fixed asset investments in the Reed elsevier combined 
businesses are stated at cost, less provision, if appropriate, for 
any impairment in value. The fair value of the award of share 
options and conditional shares over Reed elsevier PlC ordinary 
shares to employees of the Reed elsevier combined businesses 
are treated as a capital contribution.

Principal joint ventures and subsidiaries are set out in notes 15 and 
16 of the Reed elsevier PlC consolidated financial statements.

shares held in treasury
The consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, for 
shares repurchased is recognised as shares held in treasury and 
presented as a deduction from total equity. Details of share capital 
and shares held in treasury are set out in notes 12 of the Reed 
elsevier PlC consolidated financial statements and note 28 of the 
Reed elsevier combined financial statements.

Foreign exchange translation
Transactions entered into in foreign currencies are recorded at 
the exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction.

taxation
Deferred taxation is provided in full for timing differences using 
the liability method. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to  
the extent that they are considered recoverable in the short term. 
Deferred taxation balances are not discounted.

Notes to the parent company financial statements

1  Investments

At 1 January 2010
Increase in investments
equity instruments granted to Reed elsevier employees

At 1 January 2011
equity instruments granted to Reed elsevier employees
at 31 december 2011

subsidiary
undertaking
£m

Joint
ventures
£m

309
–
–

309
–
309

1,702
596
6

2,304
4
2,308

total
£m

2,011
596
6

2,613
4
2,617

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

159

Independent auditor’s report on the parent company 
financial statements to the members of Reed elsevier PlC

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Reed 
elsevier PlC for the year ended 31 December 2011 (“the company 
financial statements”) which comprise the parent company 
balance sheet, the parent company reconciliation of shareholders’ 
funds, the parent company accounting policies and the related 
note on page 158. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body,  
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
company’s members those matters we are required to state to 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as 
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities 
Statement the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
parent company financial statements and for being satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and 
express an opinion on the parent company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s ethical Standards for Auditors. 

scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This 
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the parent company’s circumstances and have 
been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the 
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the 
directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information 
in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent 
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:

ƒƒ give a true and fair view of the state of the parent company’s 
affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of its profit for the year  
then ended;

ƒƒ have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

ƒƒ have been prepared in accordance with the requirements  

of the Companies Act 2006.

opinion on other matters prescribed by the companies act 2006
In our opinion:

ƒƒ the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited 

has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006; and

ƒƒ the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial 

year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the parent company financial statements.

matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters 
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

ƒƒ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

ƒƒ the parent company financial statements and the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

ƒƒ certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified  

by law are not made; or

ƒƒ we have not received all the information and explanations  

we require for our audit.

other matter
We have reported separately on the consolidated financial 
statements of Reed elsevier PlC for the year ended  
31 December 2011. 

Douglas King (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of 
deloitte llP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
london 
United Kingdom
15 February 2012

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160 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

ReeD elSevIeR PlC

5 year summary

combined financial information
Revenue – continuing operations
Reported operating profit – continuing operations
Adjusted operating profit – continuing operations
Reported profit attributable to shareholders – total operations
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders – total operations
Reed Elsevier Plc consolidated financial information
Reported profit attributable to shareholders
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders
Reported earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Dividend per ordinary share (pence)

Note

2
2
2

3
4
3
4
5

2011
£m

6,002
1,205
1,626
760
1,060

389
561
32.4p
46.7p
21.55p

2010
£m

6,055
1,090
1,555
642
983

327
520
27.3p
43.4p
20.4p

2009
£m

6,071
787
1,570
391
982

195
519
17.2p
45.9p
20.4p

2008
£m

5,334
901
1,379
476
919

241
486
22.1p
44.6p
20.3p

2007
£m

4,584
888
1,137
1,200
852

624
451
49.7p
35.9p
18.1p

(1)  Adjusted figures are presented as additional performance measures used by management and are stated before amortisation and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, exceptional restructuring and acquisition related costs, and in respect of 
attributable profit, reflect a tax rate that excludes the effect of movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not 
expected to crystallise in the near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and 
intangible assets. Acquisition related finance costs and profit and loss from disposal gains and losses and other non operating  
items are also excluded from the adjusted figures.

(2)  Revenue, reported operating profit and adjusted operating profit are presented for continuing operations. Net profit from 

discontinued operations is included in profit attributable to shareholders.

(3)  Reported profit attributable to shareholders and reported earnings per share are based on the 52.9% share of the Reed elsevier 
combined profit attributable to shareholders, adjusted to equalise the benefit of the UK dividend tax credit with Reed elsevier Nv 
shareholders as a reduction in reported profits.

(4)  Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders and adjusted earnings per share are based on the 52.9% share of the Reed elsevier 

combined profit attributable to Reed elsevier PlC shareholders.

(5)  Dividend per ordinary share is based on the interim dividend and proposed final dividend for the relevant year, and does not include 

the 82.0p per share special distribution in 2008.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

161

Reed Elsevier NV 
Annual Report and 
Financial Statements

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In this section

162 Report of the Supervisory Board and the 

Executive Board

166 Consolidated financial statements
168 Group accounting policies
170 Notes to the consolidated financial 

statements

178 Independent auditor’s report on the 

consolidated financial statements
179 Parent company financial statements
180 Parent company accounting policies
181 Notes to the parent company financial 

statements

182 Additional information
183 Independent auditor’s report on the 

parent company financial statements

184 5 year summary

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162 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Report of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board

The Supervisory Board and the Executive Board (which jointly 
make up “the Combined Board”) present their joint report, 
together with the financial statements of the group and of the 
company, for the year ended 31 december 2011.

As a consequence of the merger of the company’s businesses  
with those of Reed Elsevier PlC in 1993, described on page 55,  
the shareholders of Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC can 
be regarded as having the interests of a single economic group. 
The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements represent the 
combined interests of both sets of shareholders and encompass 
the businesses of Reed Elsevier Group plc, Elsevier Reed Finance 
Bv and their respective subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, 
together with the parent companies, Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed 
Elsevier PlC (“the combined businesses” or “Reed Elsevier”).

This report of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board and 
the consolidated and parent company financial statements should 
be read in conjunction with the Reed Elsevier combined financial 
statements and other reports set out on pages 1 to 136, which are 
incorporated by reference herein. Summary combined financial 
information in euros is set out on pages 123 to 136. The combined 
financial statements on pages 84 to 122 are to be considered as  
part of the notes to the statutory financial statements. The annual 
report of Reed Elsevier Nv within the meaning of article 2:391 of 
the dutch Civil Code consists of pages 162 to 165 and, incorporated 
by reference, pages 1 to 136. The Corporate Governance Statement 
of Reed Elsevier Nv dated 15 February 2012 is published on the 
Reed Elsevier website (www.reedelsevier.com) and is incorporated 
by reference herein as per the vaststellingsbesluit nadere 
voorschriften inhoud jaarverslag January 2010 article 2a  
under 1 sub b.

Principal activities
The company is a holding company and its principal investments 
are its direct 50% shareholding in Reed Elsevier Group plc and its 
direct 61% shareholding in Elsevier Reed Finance Bv, which are 
engaged in publishing and information activities and financing 
activities respectively. The remaining shareholdings in these two 
companies are held by Reed Elsevier PlC.

Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC have retained their 
separate legal identities and are publicly held companies. Reed 
Elsevier Nv’s securities are listed in Amsterdam and New York 
and Reed Elsevier PlC’s securities are listed in london and 
New York.

Financial statement presentation
The consolidated financial statements of Reed Elsevier Nv include 
the 50% economic interest that its shareholders (including Reed 
Elsevier PlC, which has an indirect 5.8% interest in the company) 
have under the equalisation arrangements in the Reed Elsevier 
combined businesses, accounted for on an equity basis.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, dividends paid to Reed 
Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC shareholders are, other than in 
special circumstances, equalised at the gross level inclusive of the 
UK tax credit received by certain Reed Elsevier PlC shareholders.

In addition to the reported figures, adjusted profit figures are 
presented as additional performance measures used by 
management. These exclude, in relation to the results of joint 
ventures, the company’s share of amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets, acquisition related costs, disposal gains and 
losses and other non operating items, related tax effects and 
movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities not expected 
to crystallise in the near term and include the benefit of tax 
amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and  
intangible assets.

consolidated income statement 
Reed Elsevier Nv’s shareholders’ 50% share of the adjusted profit 
before tax of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses was €800m 
(2010: €748m). Reported profit before tax, including the Reed 
Elsevier Nv shareholders’ share of amortisation, acquisition 
related costs and disposals and non operating items, was €438m 
(2010: €379m). The increase reflects the improved trading 
performance, lower interest costs and no exceptional 
restructuring costs in 2011.

At Elsevier, Science & Technology reported good growth in 
research and databases. Health Sciences underlying revenues 
were flat, with double digit revenue growth in electronic revenue 
across all segments offset by declines in print book sales to 
individuals and in pharma promotion. lexisNexis Risk Solutions 
achieved good growth in insurance data & analytics and business 
services, although screening revenues slowed in the second half 
reflecting US hiring trends, and federal government markets 
remained under pressure. lexisNexis legal & Professional 
revenues returned to slight underlying growth in both the US and 
internationally, with growth in research and litigation tools and  
in practice management, and moderating declines in news and 
business to corporate customers and in electronic listings.  
Reed Exhibitions saw good growth across all geographies, 
excluding biennial cycling. Reed Business Information returned  
to underlying revenue growth, with strong growth in data services 
mostly offset by continued weakness in print advertising. The 
overall adjusted operating margin was 1.4 percentage points 
higher despite additional spending on new product development 
and sales & marketing, reflecting the sale and closure of low 
returning assets and continued focus on process efficiency and 
procurement savings, and the benefit of prior year restructuring 
and currency effects.

Reed Elsevier Nv ’s shareholders’ share of the adjusted profit 
attributable of the combined businesses was €610m (2010: 
€575m). After deducting the company’s share of the post tax 
charge for amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition 
related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating 
items and deferred taxes not expected to crystallise in the near 
term, the reported net profit for the year was €437m (2010: €376m).

Adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to €0.83 (2010: €0.78). 
At constant rates of exchange, the adjusted earnings per share 
were 6% higher. Including amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets, acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and 
other non operating items, and tax adjustments, the basic 
earnings per share were €0.59 (2010: €0.51).

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

163

consolidated statement of financial position
The consolidated statement of financial position of Reed Elsevier 
Nv reflects its 50% economic interest in the net assets of Reed 
Elsevier which as at 31 december 2011 was €1,303m (2010: 
€1,137m). The €166m increase in net assets reflects the 
company’s share in the attributable profits of Reed Elsevier 
partially offset by dividends paid.

Parent company financial statements
In accordance with article 2:362(1) of the dutch Civil Code, the 
individual parent company financial statements of Reed Elsevier 
Nv (presented on pages 179 to 183) are prepared under UK 
generally accepted accounting practice (UK GAAP) The profit 
attributable to the shareholders of Reed Elsevier Nv was €17m 
(2010: €1,102m) and net assets as at 31 december 2011, principally 
representing the investments in Reed Elsevier Group plc and 
Elsevier Reed Finance Bv under the historical cost method and 
loans to their subsidiaries, were €4,630m (2010: €4,884m). Free 
reserves as at 31 december 2011 were €4,385m (2010: €4,655m), 
comprising reserves and paid-in surplus less shares held in 
treasury.

dividends
The Combined Board is recommending an equalised final dividend 
of €0.326 per ordinary share, up 8% compared with the prior year. 
This gives total ordinary dividends for the year of €0.436 (2010: 
€0.412), up 6% on 2010. The final dividend will be paid on  
21 May 2012.

dividend cover, based on adjusted earnings per share and the 
total interim and proposed final dividends for the year, is 1.9 times. 
The Boards of the company and Reed Elsevier PlC have adopted 
dividend policies in recent years in respect of their equalised 
dividends that, subject to currency considerations, grow dividends 
broadly in line with adjusted earnings per share whilst maintaining 
dividend cover (being the number of times the annual dividend is 
covered by the adjusted earnings per share) of at least two times 
over the longer term.

The total dividend paid on the ordinary shares in the financial year 
was €289m (2010: €281m).

share capital
during 2011, 200,738 ordinary shares in the company were issued 
as follows:

ƒƒ 104,250 under convertible debentures at prices between 

€7.354 and €9.512

ƒƒ 96,488 under executive share option schemes at prices 

between €7.301 and €9.415 

Information regarding shares outstanding at 31 december 2011 is 
shown in note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. 

As at 31 december 2011 31,333,697 of the ordinary shares were 
held in treasury including 7,380,906 held by the Reed Elsevier 
Group plc Employee Benefit Trust. No R shares were held  
in treasury. 

As at 15 February 2012, based on the public database of and on 
notification received from the Netherlands Authority for the 
Financial Markets, the company is aware of interests in the capital 
and voting rights of the issued share capital of the company of at 

least 5% by Reed Elsevier PlC and Mondrian Investment  
Partners limited.

corporate Governance
Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC are subject to various 
corporate governance principles and best practice codes, in 
particular the dutch Corporate Governance Code (the dutch Code) 
and the UK Corporate Governance Code issued in May 2010 (the 
UK Code). Reed Elsevier Nv may not apply fully the verbatim 
language of these codes, but does fully apply the principles and 
best practice provisions other than, in respect of the dutch Code, 
the following for reasons explained below: 

ƒƒ Best practice provision II.2.5: Executive directors are required 
to build up a minimum shareholding and Reed Elsevier uses 
long term incentive arrangements in the form of awards of 
shares which may vest after three years. The intent of this 
shareholding policy is to align the interests of senior executives 
and shareholders. This intent is in compliance with the dutch 
Code. Shares received on joining Reed Elsevier in 
compensation for benefits forfeited under incentive schemes 
from a previous employer are not to be considered as part of 
the minimum shareholding in this context.

ƒƒ Best practice provision II.2.8: Reed Elsevier has 

arrangements that are commensurate with local and legal 
requirements to ensure a competitive employment offer to  
its board members. Executive directors have employment 
agreements under English law that provide for notice periods 
not exceeding one year. There are currently no executive 
directors with employment agreements under dutch law. In 
the event of dismissal, notice is given in accordance with the 
agreed notice period. The payment during the notice period 
may be mitigated if the director finds other employment within 
this period. The application of this arrangement may fall within 
the best practice provision that remuneration in the event of 
dismissal may not exceed the fixed component of one year’s 
salary. There are no other severance arrangements in place 
for the executive directors and none of the employment 
agreements contain severance pay arrangements. Although 
the principle that severance pay should not exceed the fixed 
component of one year’s salary is supported, there may be 
exceptional circumstances where this maximum would be 
manifestly unreasonable that could justify additional 
compensation on termination for loss of variable remuneration 
components. Full disclosure on remuneration in event of 
dismissal is provided in the directors’ Remuneration Report.

ƒƒ Best practice provisions II.2.13 and II.2.14: In view of their 
detailed specificity and complexity and because of the 
confidential or potentially commercially sensitive nature of the 
information concerned, individual performance targets and 
achievements relevant for variable executive remuneration 
will only be disclosed in general terms.

ƒƒ Best practice provision II.3.4 and III.6.3: The disclosure of 
transactions where directors have a conflict of interest, as 
required by these provisions, shall be qualified to the extent 
required under applicable rules and laws pertaining to the 
disclosure of price sensitive information, confidentiality and 
justified aspects of competition.

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164 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

ƒƒ Principle III.7: The remuneration of Supervisory Board 

members is determined by the Combined Board in the context 
of the board harmonisation with Reed Elsevier PlC and Reed 
Elsevier Group plc, having regard for the maximum per annum 
approved by the general meeting of shareholders.

ƒƒ Best practice provision IV.1.1: Appointments, suspensions and 
removal procedures for members of the Executive Board and 
the Supervisory Board are set out in the Corporate Governance 
Statement 2011. In order to safeguard the agreed board 
harmonisation with the Board of Reed Elsevier PlC, the 
Articles of Association of Reed Elsevier Nv provide that a 
resolution of the General Shareholders’ Meeting to appoint a 
member of the Executive or Supervisory Board other than in 
accordance with the proposal of the Combined Board shall 
require a majority of at least two thirds of the votes cast if less 
than one half of the company’s issued capital is represented at 
the meeting. Given the still generally low attendance rate at 
shareholders’ meetings in the Netherlands, the Boards believe 
that this qualified majority requirement is appropriate for this 
purpose.

ƒƒ Best practice provision IV.3.1: It is considered impractical and 

unnecessary to provide access for shareholders to all 
meetings with analysts and all presentations to investors in 
real time. Price sensitive and other information relevant to 
shareholders is disclosed as required or as appropriate and 
made available on the website. Presentations made following 
the announcement of the interim and full year results are 
simultaneously webcast. Investor seminars are also webcast.

For further information on the application of the dutch Code, see 
the Corporate Governance Statement of Reed Elsevier Nv 
published on the Reed Elsevier website, www.reedelsevier.com.

significant agreements – change of control
The governing agreement between Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed 
Elsevier PlC states that upon a change of control of Reed Elsevier 
Nv (for these purposes, the acquisition by a third party of 50% or 
more of the issued share capital having voting rights), should there 
not be a comparable offer from the offeror for Reed Elsevier PlC, 
Reed Elsevier PlC may serve notice upon Reed Elsevier Nv 
varying certain provisions of the governing agreement, including 
the governance and the standstill provisions.

There are a number of borrowing agreements including credit 
facilities that in the event of a change of control of both Reed 
Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC and, in some cases, a 
consequential credit rating downgrade to sub-investment grade 
may, at the option of the lenders, require repayment and/or 
cancellation as appropriate.

directors
The following individuals served as members of the Supervisory 
and Executive Boards during the year:

the supervisory Board 
A Habgood (Chairman) 
M Elliott 
A Hennah 

the Executive Board
E Engstrom (Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer)

M Armour

(appointed 20 April 2011) 

(Chief Financial Officer)

l Hook 
M van lier lels  
R Polet
Sir david Reid
lord Sharman of Redlynch OBE 

(retired 20 April 2011)

B van der veer

At the Annual General Meeting held in April 2011, Adrian Hennah 
was appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board and lord 
Sharman retired as a member of the Supervisory Board. 

All members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board 
will stand for re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting in 
April 2012, including Mark Elliott and Sir david Reid, who will at 
that time have served on the Supervisory Board for nine years. 
A search is being conducted in conjunction with external 
consultants for two suitable candidates to join the Supervisory 
Board. This has resulted in the Nominations Committee 
recommending to the Combined Board the appointment of david 
Brennan as member of the Supervisory Board of Reed Elsevier Nv 
and as a non-executive director of Reed Elsevier PlC with effect 
from 1 November 2012. This will be proposed at the Annual 
General Meetings in April 2012. In order to allow for an orderly 
transition to new members of the Supervisory Board, it will be 
proposed at the Annual General Meeting to reappoint Mark Elliot 
and Sir david Reid for one additional year.

Biographical details of the directors at the date of this report are 
given on pages 52 and 53. details of the remuneration of the 
members of the Executive Board and of the Supervisory Board and 
their interests in the share capital of the company are provided in 
the directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 63 to 79.

Financial statements and accounting records
The financial statements provide a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the company and the group as of 31 december 2011 and 
of the profit or loss in 2011. In preparing the financial statements, 
the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board ensure that 
suitable accounting policies, consistently applied and supported 
by reasonable judgements and estimates, have been used and 
applicable accounting standards have been followed. The Boards 
are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial 
position of the company and enable them to ensure that the 
financial statements comply with the law. The Boards have 
general responsibility for taking reasonable steps to safeguard 
the assets of the company and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

165

Internal control
As required under sections II.1.4. and II.1.5. of the dutch Code, the 
Audit Committee and the Combined Board have reviewed the 
effectiveness of the systems of internal control and risk 
management during the last financial year. The objective of these 
systems is to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to 
achieve business objectives. Accordingly, they can only provide 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material 
misstatement or loss. The outcome of this review has been 
discussed with the external auditors. The Combined Board 
confirmed that as regards financial reporting, the risk 
management and control systems provide reasonable assurance 
against material inaccuracies or loss and have functioned 
properly during the financial year.

directors’ responsibility statement
The Combined Board confirms, to the best of its knowledge, that:

ƒƒ the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted 
by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the financial 
position and profit or loss of the group; and

ƒƒ the Report of the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board 
includes a fair review of the development and performance of 
the business during the financial year and the position of the 
group as at 31 december 2011 together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

Neither the company nor the directors accept any liability to any 
person in relation to the Annual Report except to the extent that 
such liability arises under dutch law.

disclosure of information to auditors
As part of the process of approving the company’s 2011 financial 
statements, the Supervisory and the Executive Boards and their 
members have taken steps to ensure that all relevant information 
was provided to the company’s auditors and, so far as the Boards 
are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the 
company’s auditors are unaware.

Going concern
The Combined Board, having made appropriate enquiries, 
considers that adequate resources exist for the combined 
businesses to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt 
the going concern basis in preparing the 2011 financial 
statements. In reaching this conclusion, the Combined Board has 
had due regard to the combined businesses’ financial position as 
at 31 december 2011, the strong free cash flow of the combined 
businesses, Reed Elsevier’s ability to access capital markets and 
the principal risks facing Reed Elsevier.

A commentary on the Reed Elsevier combined businesses’  
cash flows, financial position and liquidity for the year ended  
31 december 2011 is set out in the Chief Financial Officer’s Report 
on pages 42 to 44. This shows that, after taking account of 
available cash resources and committed bank facilities that back 
up short term borrowings, none of Reed Elsevier’s borrowings fall 
due within the next two years. Reed Elsevier’s policies on liquidity, 
capital management and management of risks relating to interest 
rate, foreign exchange and credit exposures are set out on pages 
46 and 47. Further information on liquidity of the combined 
businesses can be found in note 18 of the combined financial 
statements. The principal risks facing Reed Elsevier are set out on 
pages 48 to 50.

auditors
Resolutions for the re-appointment of deloitte Accountants Bv as 
auditors of the company and authorising the Supervisory Board to 
determine their remuneration will be submitted to the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 24 April 2012.

the Executive Board
E Engstrom (Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer)

M Armour 

(Chief Financial Officer)

Signed by:
the supervisory Board  
A Habgood (Chairman) 
M Elliott 
A Hennah 
l Hook 
M van lier lels 
R Polet  
Sir david Reid
B van der veer

Registered office
Radarweg 29
1043 NX The Netherlands

Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam
Register file No: 33155037
15 February 2012

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166 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Consolidated income statement  

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Administrative expenses
Share of results of joint ventures
Operating profit
Finance income

Profit before tax
Taxation
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Note

2
11

5

6

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Share of joint ventures’ other comprehensive income for the year
total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per ordinary share

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Basic earnings per share
diluted earnings per share

Consolidated statement of cash flows

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

cash flows from operating activities
Cash used by operations
Interest received
Tax paid
net cash from operating activities

cash flows from investing activities
dividends received from joint ventures
Increase in investment in joint ventures
net cash from investing activities

cash flows from financing activities
Equity dividends paid
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares
decrease/(increase) in net funding balances due from joint ventures
net cash used in financing activities

2011
€m

(2)
420
418
20

438
(1)
437

2011
€m

437
20
457

2010
€m

(2)
367
365
14

379
(3)
376

2010
€m

376
71
447

Note

8
8

2011
€

0.59
0.59

2010
€

0.51
0.51

Note

10

11
11

7

10

2011
€m

2010
€m

(3)
20
(5)
12

–
–
–

(289)
2
275
(12)

(1)
14
(4)
9

1,093
(719)
374

(281)
2
(104)
(383)

movement in cash and cash equivalents

–

–

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

167

Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 31 dEcEmBER

non-current assets
Investments in joint ventures 
current assets
Amounts due from joint ventures
Cash and cash equivalents

total assets

current liabilities
Payables
Taxation
total liabilities
net assets

capital and reserves
Share capital issued
Paid-in surplus
Shares held in treasury (including in joint ventures)
Translation reserve
Other reserves
total equity

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Balance at 1 January 2010
Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
Share of joint ventures’ settlement of share awards by 

employee benefit trust

Share of joint ventures’ decrease in share based 

remuneration reserve
Equalisation adjustments
Exchange translation differences

Balance at 1 January 2011
Total comprehensive income for the year
Equity dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
Share of joint ventures’ settlement of share awards by 

employee benefit trust

Share of joint ventures’ increase in share based 

remuneration reserve

Share of joint ventures’ acquisition of non-controlling 

interest

Equalisation adjustments
Exchange translation differences
Balance at 31 december 2011

Note

7

7

share
capital
€m

Paid-in
surplus
€m

shares held
in treasury
€m

translation 
reserves
€m

other
reserves
€m

53
–
–
1

–

–
–
–

54
–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
54

2,168
–
–
1

–

–
–
–

2,169
–
–
2

–

–

–
–
–
2,171

(434)
–
–
–

5

–
–
(4)

(433)
–
–
–

4

–

–
–
(3)
(432)

(153)
98
–
–

–

–
–
4

(51)
54
–
–

–

–

–
–
3
6

(664)
349
(281)
–

(5)

(4)
3
–

(602)
403
(289)
–

(4)

16

(25)
5
–
(496)

Note

2011
€m

2010
€m

11

1,359

1,198

2
3
5
1,364

10
51
61
1,303

54
2,171
(432)
6
(496)
1,303

12

13

14

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1,203

11
55
66
1,137

54
2,169
(433)
(51)
(602)
1,137

total
equity
€m

970
447
(281)
2

–

(4)
3
–

1,137
457
(289)
2

–

16

(25)
5
– 
1,303

 
 
 
 
 
 
168 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Group accounting policies

These consolidated financial statements, which have been 
prepared under the historic cost convention, report the 
consolidated statements of income, cash flow and financial 
position of Reed Elsevier Nv. Unless otherwise indicated, all 
amounts shown in the financial statements are in millions  
of euros.

As required by a regulation adopted by the European Parliament, 
the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as endorsed by the European Union and as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis, as explained on page 165.

The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements presented in 
pounds sterling on pages 84 to 122 form an integral part of the 
notes to Reed Elsevier Nv’s statutory financial statements. The 
primary combined financial statements and selected notes are 
presented in euros on pages 123 to 136.

As a consequence of the merger of the company’s businesses  
with those of Reed Elsevier PlC, described on page 55, the 
shareholders of Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC can be 
regarded as having the interests of a single economic group, 
enjoying substantially equivalent ordinary dividend and capital 
rights in the earnings and net assets of the Reed Elsevier 
combined businesses.

The Reed Elsevier Nv consolidated financial statements are 
presented incorporating Reed Elsevier Nv’s investments in the 
Reed Elsevier combined businesses accounted for using the 
equity method, as adjusted for the effects of the equalisation 
arrangement between Reed Elsevier Nv and Reed Elsevier PlC. 
The arrangement lays down the distribution of dividends and net 
assets in such a way that Reed Elsevier Nv’s share in the profit  
and net assets of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses equals 
50%, with all settlements accruing to shareholders from the 
equalisation arrangements taken directly to reserves. 

Because the dividend paid to shareholders by Reed Elsevier Nv is 
equivalent to the Reed Elsevier PlC dividend plus, other than in 
special circumstances, the UK tax credit received by certain Reed 
Elsevier PlC shareholders, Reed Elsevier Nv normally distributes 
a higher proportion of the combined profit attributable than Reed 
Elsevier PlC. Reed Elsevier PlC’s share in this difference in 
dividend distributions is settled with Reed Elsevier Nv and is 
credited directly to consolidated reserves under equalisation. 
Reed Elsevier Nv can pay a nominal dividend on its R shares  
held by a subsidiary of Reed Elsevier PlC that is lower than the 
dividend on the ordinary shares. Equally, Reed Elsevier Nv has  
the possibility to receive dividends directly from dutch affiliates.  
Reed Elsevier PlC is compensated by direct dividend payments  
by Reed Elsevier Group plc. The settlements flowing from these 
arrangements are also taken directly to consolidated reserves 
under equalisation.

combined financial statements
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the 
combined financial statements are set out on pages 88 to 93.

These include policies in relation to intangible assets. Such assets 
are amortised over their estimated useful economic lives which, 
due to their longevity, may be for periods in excess of five years.

Basis of valuation of assets and liabilities
Reed Elsevier Nv’s 50% economic interest in the net assets of  
the combined businesses has been shown on the consolidated 
statement of financial position as investments in joint ventures, 
net of the assets and liabilities reported as part of Reed Elsevier 
Nv. Joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at fair value. Other assets 
and liabilities are stated at historical cost, less provision, if 
appropriate, for any impairment in value.

Foreign exchange translation
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of 
exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. At each 
statement of financial position date, monetary assets and 
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are 
retranslated at the rate prevailing on the statement of financial 
position date. Exchange differences arising are recorded in  
the income statement. The gains or losses relating to the 
retranslation of Reed Elsevier Nv’s 50% interest in the net  
assets of the combined businesses are classified as equity and 
transferred to the translation reserve.

When foreign operations are disposed of, the related cumulative 
translation differences are recognised within the income 
statement in the period.

taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax payable on the 
current year taxable profits, adjustments in respect of prior year 
taxable profits and the movements on deferred tax that are 
recognised in the income statement. Tax arising in joint ventures  
is included in the share of results of joint ventures.

The tax payable on current year taxable profits is calculated using 
the applicable tax rate that has been enacted, or substantively 
enacted, by the date of statement of financial position.

deferred tax is the tax arising on differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and 
their corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable 
profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability 
method. deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all 
taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that, based on current forecasts, it is 
probable that taxable profits will be available against which 
deductible temporary differences can be utilised.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

169

deferred tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
substantively enacted at the date of the statement of financial 
position. Full provision is made for deferred tax which would 
become payable on the distribution of retained profits from  
foreign subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures.

Movements in deferred tax are charged and credited in the income 
statement, except when they relate to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also recognised 
in equity.

critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 
Critical judgements in the preparation of the combined financial 
statements are set out on pages 91 to 93.

standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective
Recently issued standards, amendments and interpretations and 
their impact on future accounting policies and reporting have been 
considered on page 93 of the combined financial statements.

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170 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

1  Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements of Reed Elsevier Nv reflect the 50% economic interest that its shareholders have under the 
equalisation arrangements in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, accounted for on an equity basis.

The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of Reed Elsevier 
Group plc, a UK registered company which owns the publishing and information businesses of Reed Elsevier. The following analysis 
presents how the consolidated financial statements of Reed Elsevier Nv, presented in euros, are derived from the Reed Elsevier 
combined financial statements.

REEd ElsEVIER nV consolIdatEd PRoFIt attRIButaBlE to oRdInaRY shaREholdERs

2011

2010

Reed Elsevier combined businesses net profit attributable to parent company shareholders  

in pounds sterling

Reed Elsevier combined businesses net profit attributable to parent company shareholders 

in pounds sterling translated into euros at average exchange rates

Reed Elsevier combined businesses net profit attributable to parent company shareholders in euros
Reed Elsevier Nv’s 50% share of combined net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

REEd ElsEVIER nV consolIdatEd total EquItY

Reed Elsevier combined shareholders’ equity in pounds sterling
Reed Elsevier combined shareholders’ equity in pounds sterling translated into euros  
at year end exchange rates
Reed Elsevier Nv’s 50% share of combined equity

£760m

£642m

€874m
€874m
€437m

€751m
€751m
€376m

2011

2010

£2,172m £1,943m

€2,606m €2,273m
€1,303m €1,137m

2  Administrative expenses

Administrative expenses are stated after the gross remuneration for present and former directors of Reed Elsevier Nv in respect of 
services rendered to Reed Elsevier Nv and the combined businesses. Fees for members of the Supervisory Board of Reed Elsevier Nv of 
€0.3m (2010: €0.3m) are included in gross remuneration. Insofar as gross remuneration is related to services rendered to Reed Elsevier 
Group plc group and Elsevier Reed Finance Bv group, it is borne by these groups. Reed Elsevier Nv has no employees (2010: nil).

3  Auditor’s remuneration

Audit fees payable by Reed Elsevier Nv were €50,000 (2010: €48,000). Further information on the audit and non audit fees paid by the 
Reed Elsevier combined businesses to deloitte Accountants B.v. and its associates is set out in note 3 to the combined financial 
statements.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

171

4  Related party transactions

All transactions with joint ventures, which are related parties of Reed Elsevier Nv, are reflected in these financial statements. Key 
management personnel are also related parties and comprise the members of the Executive Board of Reed Elsevier Nv. Transactions 
with key management personnel are set out in note 30 to the combined financial statements.

5  Finance income

Finance income from joint ventures

6  Taxation

2011
€m
20

2010
€m
14 

A reconciliation of the notional tax charge based on the applicable rate of tax to the actual total tax expense is set out below. 

Profit before tax

Tax at applicable rate: 25.0% (2010: 25.5%)
Tax at applicable rate on share of results of joint ventures
Other
Tax expense

7  Equity dividends

oRdInaRY dIVIdEnds dEclaREd In thE YEaR

Ordinary shares

Final for prior financial year
Interim for financial year

total
R shares

2011
€m

438

110
(105)
(4)
1

2011
€m

212
77
289
–

2010
€m

379

97
(94)
–
3

2010
€m

205
76
281
–

2011
€m

2010
€m

€0.303
€0.110
€0.413
–

€0.293
€0.109
€0.402
–

The directors of Reed Elsevier Nv have proposed a final dividend of €0.326 (2010: €0.303). The cost of funding the proposed final dividend 
is expected to be €228m. No liability has been recognised at the statement of financial position date.

oRdInaRY dIVIdEnds dEclaREd In thE YEaR

Ordinary shares

Interim (paid) 
Final (proposed)

total
R shares

2011
€

2010
€

€0.110
€0.326
€0.436
–

€0.109
€0.303
€0.412
–

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172 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

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Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

8  Earnings per ordinary share (“EPS”)

Basic earnings per share
diluted earnings per share

2011

2010

Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)

735.3
740.8

Earnings
€m

437
437

EPs
€

0.59
0.59

Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)

734.5
737.8

Earnings
€m

376
376

EPS
€

0.51
0.51

The diluted EPS figures are calculated after taking account of the effect of potential additional ordinary shares arising from share 
options and conditional shares.

The weighted average number of shares reflects the equivalent ordinary shares amount taking into account the R shares and is after 
deducting shares held in treasury. Movements in the number of shares in issue net of treasury shares for the year ended 31 december 
2011 are shown below.

numBER oF oRdInaRY shaREs

Year ended 31 december

At start of year
Issue of ordinary shares
Net release of shares by employee benefit trust
at end of year
Weighted average number of equivalent ordinary shares during the year

shares in
issue
(millions)

treasury
shares
(millions)

723.9
0.2
–
724.1

(31.7)
–
0.4
(31.3)

2011
shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)

2010
Shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)

692.2
0.2
0.4
692.8
735.3

691.5
0.2
0.5
692.2
734.5

The average number of equivalent ordinary shares takes into account the R shares in the company held by a subsidiary of  
Reed Elsevier PlC, which represents a 5.8% interest in the company’s share capital.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

173

9  Adjusted figures

Adjusted profit and earnings per share figures are used by management as additional performance measures. The adjusted figures are 
derived as follows:

EaRnInGs PER shaRE

Profit attributable to
ordinary shares

Basic earnings
ordinary shares

Reported figures
Share of adjustments in joint ventures:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
disposals and other non operating items
deferred tax adjustments

adjusted figures

10  Statement of cash flows

REconcIlIatIon oF admInIstRatIVE ExPEnsEs to cash usEd BY oPERatIons

Administrative expenses
Net movement in payables
cash used by operations

REconcIlIatIon oF nEt FundInG BalancEs duE FRom joInt VEntuREs

At start of year
Cash flow
at end of year

2011
€m

437

204
–
19
10
(60)
610

2010
€m

376

197
22
18
21
(59)
575

2011
€

0.59

0.28
–
0.03
0.01
(0.08)
0.83

2011
€m

(2)
(1)
(3)

2011
€m

1,359
(275)
1,084

2010
€

0.51

0.27
0.03
0.02
0.03
(0.08)
0.78

2010
€m

(2)
1
(1)

2010
€m

1,255
104
1,359

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174 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

11  Investments in joint ventures

Share of results of joint ventures
Share of joint ventures’ other comprehensive income
Share of joint ventures’ increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
Share of joint ventures’ acquisition of non-controlling interests
Equalisation adjustments
dividends received from joint ventures
Increase in investment in joint ventures
(Increase)/decrease in net funding balances due from joint ventures

Net movement in the year
At start of year
at end of year

2011
€m

420
20
16
(25)
5
–
–
(275)

161
1,198
1,359

2010
€m

367
71
(4)
–
3
(1,093)
719
104

167
1,031
1,198

Summarised information showing total amounts in respect of joint ventures and Reed Elsevier Nv shareholders’ 50% share is set  
out below:

Revenue
net profit for the year

total joint ventures

Reed Elsevier nV
shareholders’ share

2011
€m

6,902
882

2010
€m

7,084
758

2011
€m

3,451
420

2010
€m

3,542
367

Reed Elsevier Nv’s share of joint ventures’ net profit attributable to parent company shareholders for the year excludes the net profit 
that arose directly in Reed Elsevier Nv of €17m (2010: €9m).

Total assets
Total liabilities
net assets/(liabilities)

Attributable to:
Joint ventures
Non-controlling interests

Net funding balances due from joint ventures

total

total joint ventures

2011
€m

13,804
(11,168)
2,636

2010
€m

13,055
(10,750)
2,305

2,606
30

2,636

2,273
32

2,305

Reed Elsevier nV
shareholders’ share

2011
€m

6,897
(6,622)
275

275
–

275
1,084

1,359

2010
€m

6,523
(6,684)
(161)

(161)
–

(161)
1,359

1,198

The above amounts exclude assets and liabilities held directly by Reed Elsevier Nv and include the counterparty balances of amounts 
owed to and by other Reed Elsevier businesses. Included within Reed Elsevier Nv’s share of assets and liabilities are cash and cash 
equivalents of €433m (2010: €431m) and borrowings of €2,561m (2010: €2,508m) respectively.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

175

12  Payables

Included within payables are employee convertible debenture loans of €8m (2010: €9m) with a weighted average interest rate of 3.13% 
(2010: 3.30%). depending on the conversion terms, the surrender of €200 par value debenture loans qualifies for 50 Reed Elsevier Nv 
ordinary shares.

13  Share capital and shares held in treasury

authoRIsEd

Ordinary shares of €0.07 each
R shares of €0.70 each
total

IssuEd and FullY PaId

At 1 January 2010
Issue of ordinary shares

At 1 January 2011
Issue of ordinary shares
at 31 december 2011

no. of shares

1,800,000,000
26,000,000

R shares
number

4,303,179
–

4,303,179
–
4,303,179

ordinary
shares
number

R shares
€m

ordinary
shares
€m

723,692,901
184,116

723,877,017
200,738
724,077,755

3
–

3
–
3

50
1

51
–
51

€m

126
18
144 

total
€m

53
1 

54
 –
54 

The issue of shares relates to the exercise of share options. details of share option and conditional share schemes are set out in note 6  
to the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements.

At 31 december 2011 4,303,179 R shares were held by a subsidiary of Reed Elsevier PlC. The R shares are convertible at the election 
of the holders into ten ordinary shares each and each R share carries an entitlement to cast ten votes. They have otherwise the same 
rights as the ordinary shares, except that Reed Elsevier Nv may pay a lower dividend on the R shares.

details of shares held in treasury are provided in note 28 to the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements.

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176 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 december 2011

14  Other reserves

At start of year
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Share of joint ventures’:

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on available for sale investments
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Tax recognised directly in equity
Increase/(decrease) in share based remuneration reserve
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Settlement of share awards by employee benefit trust
Transfer to net profit from hedge reserve

Equalisation adjustments
Equity dividends paid
at end of year

15  Contingent liabilities

There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of joint ventures guaranteed by Reed Elsevier Nv as follows:

Guaranteed jointly and severally with Reed Elsevier Plc

2011
€m

(602)
437

(65)
(1)
(14)
24
16
(25)
(4)
22
5
(289)
(496)

2010
€m

(664)
376

(37)
–
(34)
17
(4)
–
(5)
27
3
(281)
(602)

2011
€m

4,704

2010
€m

4,591

Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 18 to the Reed Elsevier 
combined financial statements.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

16  Principal joint ventures

Reed Elsevier Group plc
Incorporated and operating in Great Britain
1-3 Strand
london WC2N 5JR
Holding company for operating businesses involved in 
science & medical, risk management, legal and business 
publishing and organisation of trade exhibitions
Elsevier Reed Finance BV
Incorporated in the Netherlands
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam, the Netherlands  
Holding company for financing businesses

18,385 ordinary R shares
18,385 ordinary E shares
100,000 7.5% cumulative preference non voting shares

Equivalent to a 50% equity interest

133 ordinary R shares
205 ordinary E shares

Equivalent to a 61% equity interest

177

% holding

100%
–
100%

100%
–

The R shares in Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance Bv and the non-voting preference shares in Reed Elsevier Group plc 
are owned by Reed Elsevier PlC.

In addition, Reed Elsevier Nv holds shares with special dividend rights in Reed Elsevier Overseas Bv, a subsidiary of Reed Elsevier  
Group plc with registered offices in Amsterdam. These shares are included in the amount shown under investments in joint ventures  
and enable Reed Elsevier Nv to receive dividends from companies within the same tax jurisdiction.

A list of companies within Reed Elsevier is filed with the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.

17  Approval of financial statements

The consolidated financial statements were signed and authorised for issue by the Combined Board of directors on 15 February 2012.

a j habgood
Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
and the Combined Board

m h armour
Chief Financial Officer

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178 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Independent auditor’s report on the consolidated  
financial statements to the shareholders of Reed Elsevier Nv

opinion with respect to the consolidated financial statements
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true 
and fair view of the financial position of Reed Elsevier Nv as at  
31 december 2011, and of its results and its cash flows for the year 
then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union and with Part 9 of 
Book 2 of the dutch Civil Code.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Pursuant to the legal requirement under 2:393 sub 5 at e and f of 
the dutch Civil Code, we have no deficiencies to report as a result 
of our examination whether the report of the Supervisory Board 
and the Executive Board, to the extent we can assess, has been 
prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of this Code, and 
whether the information as required under section 2:392 sub 1  
at b-h has been annexed. Further we report that the report of the 
Supervisory Board and the Executive Board, to the extent we can 
assess, is consistent with the consolidated financial statements  
as required by 2:391 sub 4 of the dutch Civil Code.

deloitte accountants B.V.
A Sandler 
Amsterdam 
The Netherlands 
15 February 2012

Report on the consolidated financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements 2011 which are part of the financial statements of  
Reed Elsevier Nv, Amsterdam, which comprise the consolidated 
statement of financial position as at 31 december 2011, the 
consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of cash  
flows, and the consolidated statement of changes in equity for  
the year then ended and the notes, comprising a summary of the 
accounting policies and other explanatory information, as set  
out in pages 166 to 177.

management’s responsibility
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair 
presentation of the consolidated financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the 
dutch Civil Code, and for the preparation of the report of the 
Supervisory Board and the Executive Board in accordance  
with Part 9 of Book 2 of the dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, 
management is responsible for such internal control as it 
determines necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.

auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit  
in accordance with dutch law, including the dutch Standards on 
Auditing. This requires that we comply with ethical requirements 
and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from 
material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s 
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether 
due to fraud or error.

In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal 
control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation  
of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not  
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of 
the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating  
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated 
financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

Parent company profit and loss account

FoR thE YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Administrative expenses
dividends received from joint ventures
Finance income from joint ventures
Taxation
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Parent company balance sheet

as at 31 dEcEmBER

Fixed assets
Investments in joint ventures
current assets
Amounts due from joint ventures – funding
Amounts due from joint ventures – other

Cash

creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Taxation
Other creditors

net current assets
net assets

capital and reserves
Share capital issued
Paid-in surplus
Shares held in treasury
Other reserves
Reserves
shareholders’ funds

179

2011
€m

(2)
–
20
(1)
17

2010
€m

(2)
1,093
14
(3)
1,102

Note

2011
€m

2010
€m

3,602

3,597

1

1,084
2

1,086
3
1,089

(51)
(10)
(61)
1,028
4,630

54
2,171
(336)
191
2,550
4,630

1,359
2

1,361
3
1,364

(55)
(22)
(77)
1,287
4,884

54
2,169
(336)
175
2,822
4,884

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The parent company financial statements were signed and authorised for issue by the Combined Board of directors on 15 February 2012.

a j habgood
Chairman of the Supervisory Board

m h armour
Chief Financial Officer

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180 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Parent company reconciliation of shareholders’ funds

At 1 January 2010
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Equity dividends paid
Issue of shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of combined businesses

At 1 January 2011
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Equity dividends paid
Issue of shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of combined businesses

at 31 december 2011

share
capital
issued
€m

Paid-in
surplus (
€m

i)

shares 
held in  
treasury
€m

other
reserves (
€m

ii) Reserves (
€m

iii)

53
–
–
1
–

54
–
–
–
–

54

2,168
–
–
1
–

2,169
–
–
2
–

2,171

(336)
–
–
–
–

(336)
–
–
–
–

(336)

179
–
–
–
(4)

175
–
–
–
16

191

2,001
1,102
(281)
–
–

2,822
17
(289)
–
–

2,550

total
€m

4,065
1,102
(281)
2
(4)

4,884
17
(289)
2
16

4,630

(i)  Within paid-in surplus, an amount of €1,994m (2010: €1,992m) is free of tax.

(ii)  Other reserves relate to equity instruments granted to employees of the combined businesses under share based remuneration 

arrangements. Other reserves do not form part of free reserves.

(iii)  Free reserves of the company at 31 december 2011 were €4,385m (2010: €4,655m), comprising reserves and paid-in surplus less 

shares held in treasury.

Parent company accounting policies

Basis of preparation
The parent company financial statements have been prepared 
under the historical cost convention. As permitted by 2:362 
subsection 1 of the dutch Civil Code for companies with 
international operations, the parent company financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with UK Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) ensuring consistency. The 
financial information relating to the company is recognised in the 
consolidated financial statements.

The parent company financial statements are prepared on a going 
concern basis, as explained on page 165.

The Reed Elsevier Nv accounting policies under UK GAAP are set 
out below.

Investments
Fixed asset investments in the combined businesses are stated  
at cost, less provision, if appropriate, for any impairment in value. 
The fair value of the award of share options and conditional  
shares over Reed Elsevier Nv ordinary shares to employees  
of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses are treated as a  
capital contribution.

Principal joint ventures are set out in note 16 of the  
Reed Elsevier Nv consolidated financial statements.

Short term investments are stated at the lower of cost and  
net realisable value. Other assets and liabilities are stated at 
historical cost, less provision, if appropriate, for any impairment  
in value.

shares held in treasury
The amount of consideration paid, including directly attributable 
costs, for shares repurchased is recognised as shares held in 
treasury and presented as a deduction from total equity.

Foreign exchange translation
Transactions entered into in foreign currencies are recorded at 
the exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction.

taxation
deferred taxation is provided in full for timing differences using 
the liability method. deferred tax assets are only recognised to  
the extent that they are considered recoverable in the short term. 
deferred taxation balances are not discounted.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

181

Notes to the parent company financial statements

1  Other creditors

Other creditors include €8m (2010: €9m) of employee convertible debenture loans with a weighted average interest rate of 3.13%  
(2010: 3.30%). depending on the conversion terms, the surrender of €200 par value debenture loans qualifies for 50 Reed Elsevier Nv 
ordinary shares.

2  Reconciliations to consolidated financial statements

A reconciliation of the parent company profit attributable to ordinary shareholders prepared under UK GAAP and the consolidated profit 
attributable to ordinary shareholders prepared under IFRS and presented under the equity method is provided below:

YEaR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Parent company profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
Share of results of joint ventures
dividends received from joint ventures
consolidated profit attributable to ordinary shareholders using the equity method

2011
€m

17
420
–
437

2010
€m

1,102
367
(1,093)
376

A reconciliation between the parent company shareholders’ funds prepared under UK GAAP and the consolidated shareholders’ funds 
prepared under IFRS and presented under the equity method is provided below:

as at 31 dEcEmBER

Parent company shareholders’ funds
Cumulative share of results of joint ventures less cumulative dividends received from joint ventures
Cumulative currency translation adjustments
Cumulative equalisation and other adjustments
Share of treasury shares held by joint ventures’ employee benefit trust
Share of IFRS adjustments in joint ventures
Equity instruments granted to employees of combined businesses
consolidated shareholders’ funds using the equity method

2011
€m

4,630
(2,327)
(214)
103
(96)
(602)
(191)
1,303

2010
€m

4,884
(2,747)
(271)
145
(97)
(602)
(175)
1,137

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182 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

Additional information

R shares
Reed Elsevier Nv has two types of shares: ordinary shares of €0.07 nominal value and R shares of €0.70 nominal value. Each R share is 
convertible into 10 ordinary shares and is entitled to cast ten (10) votes. Otherwise it has the same rights as an ordinary share, except that 
Reed Elsevier Nv may pay a lower dividend on it, but not less than 1% of the nominal value of an R share.

Profit allocation
The Articles of Association provide that distributions of dividend may only be made insofar as the company’s equity exceeds the amount 
of the paid in capital, increased by the reserves which must be kept by virtue of the law and may be made in cash or in shares, at the 
proposal of the Combined Board. distribution of dividends on ordinary shares and on the class R shares shall be made in proportion to 
the nominal value of each share. The Combined Board may resolve that the dividend to be paid on each class R share shall be lower than 
the dividend to be paid on each ordinary share, resolving at the same time what amount of dividend shall be paid on each ordinary share 
and each class R share, respectively.

PRoPosal FoR allocatIon oF PRoFIt

Final dividend on ordinary shares for prior financial year
Interim dividend on ordinary shares for financial year
dividend on R shares
Retained (loss)/profit

2011
€m

212
77
–
(272)
17

2010
€m

205
76
–
821
1,102

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

183

Independent auditor’s report on the parent company 
financial statements to the shareholders of Reed Elsevier Nv

opinion with respect to the parent company financial statements
In our opinion, the parent company financial statements give a  
true and fair view of the financial position of Reed Elsevier Nv as at 
31 december 2011, and of its results and its cash flows for the year 
then ended in accordance with accounting practices generally 
accepted in the United Kingdom and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the 
dutch Civil Code.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
Pursuant to the legal requirement under 2:393 sub 5 at e and f of 
the dutch Civil Code, we have no deficiencies to report as a result 
of our examination whether the report of the Supervisory Board 
and the Executive Board, to the extent we can assess, has been 
prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of this Code, and 
whether the information as required under section 2:392 sub 1  
at b-h has been annexed. Further we report that the report of  
the Supervisory Board and the Executive Board, to the extent  
we can assess, is consistent with the parent company financial 
statements as required by 2:391 sub 4 of the dutch Civil Code.

deloitte accountants B.V.
A Sandler 
Amsterdam 
The Netherlands 
15 February 2012

Report on the company financial statements
We have audited the accompanying parent company financial 
statements 2011 which are part of the financial statements of Reed 
Elsevier Nv, Amsterdam, which comprise the parent company 
balance sheet as at 31 december 2011, the parent company profit 
and loss account for the year then ended, the parent company 
reconciliation of shareholders’ funds and the notes, comprising  
a summary of the accounting policies and the additional 
information, as set out in pages 179 to 182.

management’s responsibility
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair 
presentation of the parent company financial statements both in 
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United Kingdom and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the dutch Civil Code, 
and for the preparation of the report of the Supervisory Board and 
the Executive Board in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the 
dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, management is responsible for 
such internal control as it determines necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the parent company 
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit  
in accordance with dutch law, including the dutch Standards on 
Auditing. This requires that we comply with ethical requirements 
and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the parent company financial statements are free 
from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the parent company 
financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the 
auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the parent company financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error.

In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal 
control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation  
of the parent company financial statements in order to design 
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating 
the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the parent 
company financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

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184 FInancIal statEmEnts and othER InFoRmatIon

REEd El SEvIER Nv

5 year summary

combined financial information
Revenue – continuing operations
Reported operating profit – continuing operations
Adjusted operating profit – continuing operations
Reported profit attributable to shareholders – total operations
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders – total operations
Reed Elsevier nV consolidated financial information
Reported profit attributable to shareholders
Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders
Reported earnings per ordinary share (€)
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (€)
dividend per ordinary share (€)

Note

2
2
2

3

2011
€m

6,902
1,386
1,870
874
1,219

437
610
€0.59
€0.83
€0.436

2010
€m

7,084
1,275
1,819
751
1,150

376
575
€0.51
€0.78
€0.412

2009
€m

6,800
881
1,758
438
1,099

219
550
€0.32
€0.79
€0.400

2008
€m

6,721
1,135
1,737
587
1,159

294
580
€0.44
€0.87
€0.404

2007
€m

6,693
1,296
1,660
1,709
1,244

855
622
€1.10
€0.80
€0.425

(1)  Adjusted figures are presented as additional performance measures used by management and are stated before amortisation and 
impairment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, exceptional restructuring and acquisition related costs, and in respect of 
attributable profit, reflect a tax rate that excludes the effect of movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not 
expected to crystallise in the near term and includes the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and 
intangible assets. Acquisition related costs and profit and loss from disposal gains and losses and other non operating items are 
also excluded from the adjusted figures.

(2)  Revenue, reported operating profit and adjusted operating profit are presented for continuing operations. Net profit from 

discontinued operations is included in profit attributable to shareholders.

(3)  dividend per ordinary share is based on the interim dividend and proposed final dividend for the relevant year, and does not include 

the €1.767 per share special distribution in 2008.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

185

Other  
information

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In this section

Additional information for US Investors
186 Reed Elsevier combined businesses
188 Reed Elsevier PLC
189 Reed Elsevier NV

Shareholder information
190 Shareholder information
192 Contacts
193 2012 financial calendar

Principal operating locations
194 Principal operating locations

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186 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

REEd ELSEV iER COmBiNEd BuSiNESSES

Reed Elsevier combined businesses

Summary financial information in US dollars

Basis of preparation
The summary financial information is a simple translation of the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements into uS dollars at the 
stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under iFRS as used in the preparation of the Reed 
Elsevier combined financial statements. it does not represent a restatement under uS GAAP which would be different in some 
significant respects.

ExchAngE RAtES FoR tRAnSlAtIon

uS dollars to sterling

income statement

Statement of financial 
position

2011

1.60

2010

1.55

2011

1.55

2010

1.56

Combined income statement

FoR thE YEAR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders

2011
US$m

9,603
1,928
1,517
1,216
2,602
2,226
1,696

2010
uS$m

9,385
1,690
1,190
995
2,410
1,982
1,524

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

187

Combined statement of cash flows

FoR thE YEAR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Net cash from operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
decrease in cash and cash equivalents

movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Adjusted operating cash flow

Combined statement of financial position

AS At 31 dEcEmBER

Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets held for sale
total assets

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
total liabilities
net assets

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2011
US$m

2,052
(1,154)
(968)
(70)

1,158
(70)
37
1,125
2,424

2010
uS$m

2,097
(510)
(1,587)
–

1,189
–
(31)
1,158
2,354 

2011
US$m

13,812
3,949
68
17,829

6,857
7,541
26
14,424
3,405

2010
uS$m

13,383
4,023
– 
17,406

6,079
8,254
–
14,333
3,073

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188 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

REEd ELSEV iER PLC

Reed Elsevier PLC

Summary financial information in US dollars

Basis of preparation
The summary financial information is a simple translation of the Reed Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements into uS dollars  
at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under iFRS as used in the preparation of the Reed 
Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements. it does not represent a restatement under uS GAAP which would be different in some 
significant respects.

ExchAngE RAtES FoR tRAnSlAtIon oF StERlIng ($:£1)

income statement 
Statement of financial position

Consolidated income statement

FoR thE YEAR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Adjusted profit attributable to 52.9% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses

Share of joint ventures’:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
disposals and other non operating items
deferred tax adjustments

Profit attributable to 52.9% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses

dAtA PER AmERIcAn dEPoSItARY ShARE (AdS)

Earnings per AdS based on 52.9% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses

Adjusted 
Basic

Net dividend per AdS declared in the year
Net dividend per AdS paid and proposed in relation to the financial year

Consolidated statement of financial position

AS At 31 dEcEmBER

Shareholders’ equity

2011
US$:£

1.60
1.55

2010
uS$:£

1.55
1.56

2011
US$m

622

898

(301)
–
(27)
(13)
86
643

2011
US$

$2.99
$2.07
$1.32
$1.38

2010
uS$m

507

806

(276)
(31)
(23)
(31)
82
527

2010
uS$

$2.69
$1.69
$1.26
$1.26

2011
US$m

1,781

2010
uS$m

1,604

Adjusted earnings per American depositary Share is based on Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders’ 52.9% share of the adjusted profit 
attributable of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, which excludes amortisation of acquired intangible assets, exceptional 
restructuring and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items, related tax effects and movements 
in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and include the benefit of tax amortisation where 
available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Adjusted figures are additional performance measures used by management and 
are described in note 9 to the Reed Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements.

Reed Elsevier PLC shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and trading is in the form of American depositary Shares (AdSs), 
evidenced by American depositary Receipts (AdRs), representing four Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares. (CuSiP No. 758205207; 
trading symbol, RuK; Bank of New York is the AdR depositary.)

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

189

Reed Elsevier NV

Summary financial information in US dollars

Basis of preparation
The summary financial information is a simple translation of the Reed Elsevier NV consolidated financial statements into uS dollars at 
the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under iFRS as used in the preparation of the Reed 
Elsevier NV consolidated financial statements. it does not represent a restatement under uS GAAP which would be different in some 
significant respects.

ExchAngE RAtES FoR tRAnSlAtIon oF EURo ($:€1)

income statement 
Statement of financial position

Consolidated income statement

FoR thE YEAR EndEd 31 dEcEmBER

Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders

Share of joint ventures’:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Exceptional restructuring costs
Acquisition related costs
disposals and other non operating items
deferred tax adjustments

Profit attributable to ordinary businesses

dAtA PER AmERIcAn dEPoSItARY ShARE (AdS)

Earnings per AdS based on 50% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses

Adjusted 
Basic

Net dividend per AdS declared in the year
Net dividend per AdS paid and proposed in relation to the financial year

Consolidated statement of financial position

AS At 31 dEcEmBER

Shareholders’ equity

2011
US$:€

1.39
1.29

2010
uS$:€

1.32
1.33

2011
US$m

849

(284)
–
(26)
(14)
83
608

2011
US$

$2.31
$1.64
$1.15
$1.21

2010
uS$m

762

(261)
(29)
(24)
(28)
78
498

2010
uS$

$2.07
$1.35
$1.07
$1.09

2011
US$m

1,683

2010
uS$m

1,516

Adjusted earnings per American depositary Share is based on Reed Elsevier NV shareholders’ 50% share of the adjusted profit 
attributable of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, which excludes amortisation of acquired intangible assets, exceptional 
restructuring and acquisition related costs, disposal gains and losses and other non operating items, related tax effects and movements 
in deferred tax assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and includes the benefit of tax amortisation 
where available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Adjusted figures are additional performance measures used by 
management and are described in note 9 to the Reed Elsevier NV consolidated financial statements.

Reed Elsevier NV shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and trading is in the form of American depositary Shares (AdSs), 
evidenced by American depositary Receipts (AdRs), representing two Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares. (CuSiP No. 758204200; 
trading symbol, ENL; Bank of New York is the AdR depositary.)

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190 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

ShAREhOLdER iNFORmATiON

Shareholder information

Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011
The Annual Reports and Financial Statements for the Reed 
Elsevier combined businesses, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV for the year ended 31 december 2011, and the 
Corporate Governance Statement of Reed Elsevier NV are 
available on the Reed Elsevier website, and from the registered 
offices of the respective parent companies shown on page 192. 
Additional financial information, including the interim and Full 
Year Results Announcements, interim management Statements 
and presentations is also available on the Reed Elsevier website 
www.reedelsevier.com.

The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements set out in the 
Annual Reports and Financial Statements are expressed in 
sterling, with summary combined financial information expressed 
in euros. The financial statements of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed 
Elsevier NV are expressed in sterling and euros respectively. 

Interim results
Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV no longer publish interim 
results in hard copy. The interim results are available on the Reed 
Elsevier website.

Share price information
Reed Elsevier PLC’s ordinary shares are quoted on the London 
Stock Exchange.

Reed Elsevier NV’s ordinary shares are quoted on the Euronext 
Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

The Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares are 
quoted on the New York Stock Exchange in the form of American 
depositary Shares (AdSs), evidenced by American depositary 
Receipts (AdRs). Each Reed Elsevier PLC AdR represents four 
Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares. Each Reed Elsevier NV AdR 
represents two Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares.

The Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share 
prices and the AdR prices may be obtained from the Reed Elsevier 
website, other online sources and the financial pages of some 
newspapers.

  FOR FuRThER iNFORmATiON ViSiT www.REEdElSEvIER.com

Information for Reed Elsevier Plc  
ordinary shareholders

Shareholder services
The Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share register is administered 
by Equiniti Limited. Equiniti provides a free online portal for 
shareholders at www.shareview.co.uk. Shareview provides 
shareholders with instant access to details of their shareholding 
and dividend payments, with the ability to update personal details 
and to register a bank mandate. Equiniti’s contact details appear 
on page 192.

Electronic communications
While hard copy shareholder communications continue to be 
available to those shareholders actively requesting them, in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and its Articles of 
Association, Reed Elsevier PLC uses the Reed Elsevier website 
as the main method of communicating with shareholders. 
By registering their details online at Shareview, shareholders 
can be notified by email when shareholder communications 
are published on the website. Shareholders can also use the 
Shareview website to appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf at 
shareholder meetings.

Shareholders who hold their Reed Elsevier PLC shares through 
CREST may appoint proxies for shareholder meetings through 
the CREST electronic proxy appointment service by using the 
procedures described in the CREST manual.

dividend mandates
Shareholders are encouraged to have their dividends paid 
directly into a uK bank or building society account. This method 
of payment reduces the risk of delay or loss of dividend cheques 
in the post and ensures the account is credited on the dividend 
payment date. A dividend mandate form can be obtained online 
at www.shareview.co.uk, or by contacting Equiniti at the address 
shown on page 192.

Equiniti has established a service for overseas shareholders in 
over 30 countries, which enables shareholders to have their 
dividends automatically converted from sterling and paid directly 
into their nominated bank account. Further details of this service, 
and the fees applicable, are available at www.shareview.co.uk or 
by contacting Equiniti at the address shown on page 192.

dividend Reinvestment Plan
Shareholders can choose to reinvest their Reed Elsevier PLC 
dividends by purchasing further shares through the dividend 
Reinvestment Plan (“dRiP”) provided by Equiniti. Further 
information concerning the dRiP facility, together with the terms 
and conditions and an application form can be obtained online at 
www.shareview.co.uk/dividends or by contacting Equiniti at the 
address shown on page 192.

Share dealing service
A telephone and internet dealing service is available through 
Reed Elsevier PLC’s Registrar, which provides a simple way for 
uK-resident shareholders to buy or sell Reed Elsevier PLC 
shares. For telephone dealing call 08456 037 037 between 8.00am 
and 4.30pm, monday to Friday, and for internet dealing log on to 
www.shareview.co.uk/dealing. You will need your shareholder 
account number shown on your dividend tax voucher.

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

191

Individual savings accounts (ISA)
A single company iSA for Reed Elsevier PLC shares is 
available through Equiniti. details may be obtained from  
www.shareview.co.uk/iSA, by writing to Equiniti at the address 
shown on page 192, or by calling their iSA helpline on 0871 384 2244.

Sharegift
The Orr mackintosh Foundation operates a charity share donation 
scheme for shareholders with small parcels of shares whose 
value makes it uneconomic to sell them. details of the scheme 
can be obtained from the ShareGift website at www.sharegift.org, 
or by telephoning ShareGift on 020 7930 3737.

Sub-division of ordinary shares and share consolidation
On 28 July 1986 each Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share of £1 
nominal value was sub-divided into four ordinary shares of 25p 
each. On 2 may 1997 each 25p ordinary share was sub-divided into 
two ordinary shares of 12.5p each. On 7 January 2008 the ordinary 
shares of 12.5p each were consolidated on the basis of 58 new 
ordinary shares of 1451⁄116p nominal value for every 67 ordinary 
shares of 12.5p each held.

capital gains tax
The mid-market price of Reed Elsevier PLC’s £1 ordinary shares 
on 31 march 1982 was 282p. Adjusting for the sub-divisions and 
share consolidation referred to above, results in an equivalent 
mid-market price of 40.72p for each existing ordinary share of 
1451⁄116p nominal value.

warning to shareholders – unsolicited investment advice
many companies have become aware that their shareholders have 
received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning 
investment matters. These are typically from overseas-based 
‘brokers’ who target uK shareholders, offering to sell them what 
often turn out to be worthless or high-risk shares in uS or uK 
investments. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler 
room scams’.

Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited 
advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company 
reports. if you receive any unsolicited investment advice, check 
that the person or organisation is properly authorised by the FSA 
before getting involved by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/ and 
contacting the firm using the details on the register. if you deal 
with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive 
payment under the Financial Service Compensation Scheme.

The FSA can be contacted at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/
regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml.

Information for Reed Elsevier nv  
ordinary shareholders

Shareholder enquiries
Enquiries from holders of Reed Elsevier NV registered ordinary 
shares in relation to share transfers, dividends, change of address 
and bank accounts should be directed to the Company Secretary 
of Reed Elsevier NV, at the registered office address shown on 
page 192.

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dividends
dividends on Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares are declared and 
paid in euros. Registered shareholders in Reed Elsevier NV will 
receive dividends from the company by transmission to the bank 
account which they have notified to the company. dividends on 
shares in bearer form are paid through the intermediary of a bank 
or broker.

dividend Reinvestment Plan
By instructing their bank or intermediary, shareholders can 
choose to reinvest their Reed Elsevier NV dividends by purchasing 
further shares through the dividend Reinvestment Plan (“dRiP”) 
provided by Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. Further information 
concerning the dRiP facility can be obtained online at  
www.securitiesinfo.nl.

consolidation of ordinary shares
On 7 January 2008 each Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share of €0.06 
each were consolidated on the basis of 58 new ordinary shares of 
€0.07 each for every 67 ordinary shares of €0.06 held.

Information for Reed Elsevier Plc and  
Reed Elsevier nv AdR holders

The Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV AdR depositary is 
BNY mellon. Reed Elsevier PLC’s CuSiP number is 758205207 
and its trading symbol is RuK. Each Reed Elsevier PLC AdR 
represents four Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares. Reed Elsevier 
NV’s CuSiP number is 758204200 and its trading symbol is ENL. 
Each Reed Elsevier NV AdR represents two Reed Elsevier NV 
ordinary shares.

AdR shareholder services
Enquiries concerning Reed Elsevier PLC or Reed Elsevier NV 
AdRs should be addressed to the AdR depositary at the address 
shown on page 192.

dividends
dividend payments on Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV 
AdRs are converted into uS dollars by the AdR depositary.

Annual Report on Form 20-F
The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the Reed Elsevier combined 
businesses, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV will be filed 
electronically with the united States Securities and Exchange 
Commission. A copy of Form 20-F for the year ended 31 december 
2011 will be available on the Reed Elsevier website, or from the 
AdR depositary at the address shown on page 192.

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Reed Elsevier nv
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Tel:  +31 (0)20 485 2222
Fax: +31 (0)20 485 2032

deloitte Accountants B.V.
Orlyplein 10
1043 dP Amsterdam
The Netherlands

listing/paying agent
Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.
Gustav mahlerlaan 10
1082 PP Amsterdam
The Netherlands

  www.SEcURItIESInFo.nl

192 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

CONTACTS

Contacts

Reed Elsevier Plc
1-3 Strand 
London WC2N 5JR
united Kingdom

Tel:  +44 (0)20 7930 7077
Fax: +44 (0)20 7166 5799

Auditors
deloitte LLP 
2 New Street Square
London EC4A 3BZ
united Kingdom

Registrar
Equiniti Limited
Aspect house 
Spencer Road 
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6dA
united Kingdom

  www.ShAREvIEw.co.Uk

Tel:  0871 384 2960 
(calls charged at 8p per minute from a BT landline, 
other telephony providers’ costs may vary)

Tel:  +44 121 415 7047 (non-uK callers) 

Reed Elsevier Plc and Reed Elsevier nv AdR depositary
BNY mellon (AdRs)
PO Box 358516
Pittsburgh PA15252-8516
uSA

  www.AdRBnY.com

email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com

Tel:  +1 888 269 2377 

+1 201 680 6825 (outside the uS) 

 
Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

193

2012 financial calendar

16 February

24 April

24 April
25 April
25 April
26 April
27 April
30 April
21 may

29 may

26 July

8 August

10 August

31 August

7 September

8 november

Plc
nv
Plc
nv
nv
Plc
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv
Plc
nv

Announcement of Results for the year ended 31 december 2011

interim management Statement issued in relation to the 2012 financial year

Annual General meeting – Reed Elsevier NV, hotel Okura, Ferdinand Bolstraat 33, 1072 Lh Amsterdam
Annual General meeting – Reed Elsevier PLC, millennium hotel, Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2hP
Ex-dividend date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and AdRs
Ex-dividend date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares and AdRs
Record date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and AdRs
Record date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares and AdRs
Payment date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares

Payment date – 2011 final dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV AdRs

Announcement of interim Results for the six months to 30 June 2012

Ex-dividend date – 2012 interim dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares and AdRs

Record date – 2012 interim dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares and AdRs

Payment date – 2012 interim dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares

Payment date – 2012 interim dividend, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV AdRs

interim management Statement issued in relation to the 2012 financial year

The following tables set out dividends paid (or proposed) in relation to the three financial years 2009–2011.

Final dividend for 2011*
interim dividend for 2011
Final dividend for 2010
interim dividend for 2010
Final dividend for 2009
interim dividend for 2009

per Plc ordinary share

per nv ordinary share

Payment date

15.90p
5.65p
15.00p
5.40p
15.00p
5.40p

€0.326
€0.110
€0.303
€0.109
€0.293
€0.107

21 may 2012
26 August 2011
17 may 2011
27 August 2010
21 may 2010
28 August 2009

*Proposed dividend, to be submitted for approval at the respective Annual General meetings of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV in April 2012.

Final dividend for 2011
interim dividend for 2011
Final dividend for 2010
interim dividend for 2010
Final dividend for 2009
interim dividend for 2009

per Plc AdR

**
$0.36860
$0.97236
$0.33480
$0.86010
$0.35164

per nv AdR

**
$0.26875
$0.73118
$0.23512
$0.62137
$0.26060

Payment date

29 may 2012
2 September 2011
24 may 2011
3 September 2010
28 may 2010
4 September 2009

**Payment will be determined using the appropriate £/uS$ and €/uS$ exchange rate on 21 may 2012.

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194 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

PRiNCiPAL OPERATiNG LOCATiONS

Principal operating locations

Reed Elsevier
1-3 Strand 
London WC2N 5JR, uK
Tel:  +44 (0)20 7930 7077
Fax: +44 (0)20 7166 5799

Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel:  +31 (0)20 485 2222
Fax: +31 (0)20 485 2032

125 Park Avenue, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017, uSA
Tel:  +1 212 309 8100
Fax: +1 212 309 8187

   FOR FuRThER iNFORmATiON OR CONTACT  
dETAiLS, PLEASE CONSuLT OuR WEBSiTE:  

www.REEdElSEvIER.com

Elsevier
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands

   www.ElSEvIER.com

The Boulevard, Langford Lane
Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, uK

1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1800, Philadelphia
PA 19103, uSA

   www.US.ElSEvIERhEAlth.com

3251 Riverport Lane
maryland heights, mO 63043, uSA

lexisnexis legal & Professional
125 Park Avenue, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10017, uSA
   www.lExISnExIS.com

9443 Springboro Pike
miamisburg, Oh 45342, uSA

halsbury house, 35 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1EL, uK

   www.lExISnExIS.co.Uk

lexisnexis Risk Solutions
1000 Alderman drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005, uSA

   www.lExISnExIS.com/RISk/

Reed Exhibitions
Gateway house, 28 The Quadrant
Richmond, Surrey TW9 1dN, uK

   www.REEdExPo.com

Reed Business Information
Quadrant house, The Quadrant
Sutton, Surrey Sm2 5AS, uK

   www.REEdBUSInESS.co.Uk

Elsevier Reed Finance Bv
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel:  +31 (0)20 485 2222
Fax: +31 (0)20 485 2032

Reed Elsevier  Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011

195

Notes

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196 FInAncIAl StAtEmEntS And othER InFoRmAtIon

NOTES

Notes

Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider  
of professional information solutions. 

We leverage deep customer understanding to  
deliver demonstrably improved outcomes to our 
professional customers.

We do this by combining content and data with  
analytics and technology in global platforms,  
sharing institutional skills, assets and resources 
across Reed Elsevier.

Credits

designed and produced by
saslondon.com 
Board photography by 
Julian Calder 
Printed by 
Pureprint Group, ISO14001, FSC® certified and CarbonNeutral®

The paper used in the report contains 100% recycled content, of 
which 100% is de-inked post-consumer waste. All of the pulp is 
bleached using an elemental chlorine free process (ECF). Printed 
in the UK by Pureprint using their alcofree® and pureprint® 
environmental printing technology; vegetable inks were used 
throughout. Pureprint is a CarbonNeutral® company. Both 
manufacturing mill and printer are ISO14001 registered and are 
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) chain-of-custody certified.

Contents

1 

7 

Overview
1  Chairman’s statement
2 
4 

2011 highlights
 Chief Executive Officer’s 
report

Business review
8  Reed Elsevier
10  Elsevier 
14  LexisNexis Risk Solutions
 LexisNexis Legal & 
18 
Professional
22  Reed Exhibitions
26 
29  Corporate responsibility

 Reed Business Information

39  Financial review

83 

40 

 Chief Financial Officer’s 
report

48   Principal risks

51  Governance 

52  Board Directors
54  

  Chairman’s introduction  
to corporate governance
 Structure and corporate 
governance
 Report of the Nominations 
Committee
 Directors’ remuneration 
report
 Report of the Audit 
Committees

55  

62  

63  

80  

 Financial statements and  
other information
84  

 Combined financial 
statements

123   Summary combined financial 

information in euros
137   Reed Elsevier PLC Annual 
Report and Financial 
Statements

161    Reed Elsevier NV Annual 
Report and Financial 
Statements

185   Additional information  

for US investors

190  Shareholder information
194    Principal operating locations

Full report online 
ThE REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEmENTS 2011 ARE AVAILABLE TO VIEw ONLINE:
REPORTING.REEdElsEvIER.cOm/aR11

Forward looking statements
The Reed Elsevier Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2011 contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of 
the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These statements are 
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently being 
anticipated.  The terms “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “should be”, “will be”, “believe” 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 competitive factors in the industries in which Reed Elsevier operates; demand for Reed Elsevier’s products 
and services; exchange rate fluctuations; general economic and business conditions; legislative, fiscal, tax and regulatory developments 
and political risks; the availability of third party content and data; breaches of our data security systems and interruptions in our information 
technology systems; changes in law and legal interpretations affecting Reed Elsevier’s intellectual property rights and other risks 
referenced from time to time in the filings of Reed Elsevier with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Annual Reports and 
Financial Statements  
2011

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