Reed Elsevier (REL) Share Price

REL - Reed Elsevier PLC Investor Summary

Reed Elsevier Plc is a global company that is based in London,UK. It has some 35,700 employees of which 19,000 are based in North America. It is a publishing and printing giant as well as a world leader in offering professional information and work solutions in five main sectors: science, medical, legal, risk management and business. It is a holding company with principal investments being its direct 50% shareholding in the Reed Elsevier Group Plc and 39% shareholding in Elsevier Reed BV. Its US subsidiary is Reed Elsevier Capital Plc.

Founded in 1894 by Albert E. Reed, it became a public company in 1903. It has changed its name several times, becoming Reed International Ltd in 1970, Reed International Plc in 1988, and finally Reed Elsevier Plc in 2000. It witnessed rapid growth and expansion after World War Two due to mergers and acquisitions as well as producing industrial magazines through its subsidiary IPC Business Magazines Ltd and consumer magazines through IPC Magazines Ltd. In 1951 Elsevier Press Inc was established in the US.

Its most recent activity is the launch in 2009 of 'eclips Consult', a web site and email designed to make researching medical journals and related information an easier task. It offers journals and books in printed and electronic media which are offered to libraries, scientists and medical professionals as well as to communication businesses in the health sector.

Share performance has showed a historic rise in price per share with share prices in January 2009 closing at 537p, the highest shares have been since January 05 (with 540p per share.)

REL – no reading between the lines with a company that doesn't mince its words.