Reed Speculation

Via the Independent (UK), an investment analyst is suggesting that Reed Elsevier is under-valued and that a PE bid could push the share price up 85% higher than yesterdays close of 619p.

Collins Stewart adds that, with a current debt weighting of just 1.4 times earnings, Reed is under-leveraged and if it does not gear up its balance sheet "maybe private equity will do the job instead". The broker estimates at a debt multiple of 8 times earnings the shares could be worth up to 1,147p

Once the sale of Harcourt is done perhaps some activity will heat up. I see them being very interested in Bureau van Dijk as it would fit nicely into their legal and regulatory segment. Interestingly, the international spread of BvD could also aid Reed in expanding legal and regulatory into wider global penetration with new products and data/information.