Exhibit (a)(9)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF REED INTERNATIONAL PLC and ELSEVIER NV
REED ELSEVIER INC EXTENDS HARCOURT TENDER OFFER
NEW YORK (December 6, 2000) Reed Elsevier Inc. ("Reed Elsevier") today announced
an extension of the expiration date of its tender offer for all outstanding
shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share and all outstanding shares of
series A cumulative convertible stock, par value $1.00 per share of Harcourt
General, Inc. (NYSE: H) from 12:00 midnight, New York City time on Thursday,
December 7, 2000 until 12:00 midnight, New York City time on Monday, January 8,
2001.
The offer is being extended to accommodate the regulatory review processes and
the offer may be further extended in due course. The transaction is expected to
be completed in the first quarter of 2001, subject to the regulatory review.
Reed Elsevier has been advised by Citibank, N.A., the Depositary for the tender
offer, that as of the close of business on December 5, 2000, approximately
5,605,602 shares of common stock of Harcourt General, Inc. and approximately
46,242 shares of series A cumulative convertible stock had been validly
tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer.
For further information, please contact MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the
Information Agent for the tender offer, at (800) 322-2885.
