Reed Elsevier came into existence in January 1993, when Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV contributed their business to two jointly owned companies. 

The first of these is Reed Elsevier Group plc, a UK registered company which owns the publishing and information businesses covering three target markets – Science and Medical, Legal and Risk Management, and Business publishing. This company is equally owned by the two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV.

The second is Elsevier Reed Finance BV, a Dutch registered company which owns the financing activities. This is 61% owned by Reed Elsevier NV and 39% owned by Reed Elsevier PLC.

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.