Acquisition(s)

18 October 2005

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                      SUNBELT ACQUIRES FIVE RENTAL STORES                      

     Significantly strengthens presence in central and southern California     

Ashtead Group plc, the equipment rental group serving the US and UK
construction, industrial and homeowner market, announces that its US
subsidiary, Sunbelt Rentals, has acquired Northridge Equipment Services Inc
('Northridge') from the Groff family for a total consideration of $69.6 million
(£39.7 million).

Northridge operates five rental stores in southern and central California based
in Northridge (northern Los Angeles), Bakersfield, Lompoc, Fresno and Palmdale.
Its market coverage includes a geographic area with a population of over 13
million (c37% of California's total population) containing three of the top 65
metropolitan areas in the US. In the year to 30 September 2005 Northridge
reported total revenues of $38.3 million, EBITDA of $12.9 million, EBITA of
$6.4 million and profit before tax of $6.2 million. The book value of its total
assets at that date was $38.6 million and the business has been acquired debt
free. The acquisition consideration was financed through the Group's existing
credit facilities. Excluding certain one time costs and gains which will not be
incurred in future, Northridge's adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 30
September 2005 was $14.8 million and the ratio of the consideration to adjusted
EBITDA was 4.7 times.

This acquisition brings the number of stores operated by Sunbelt in the central
and southern California markets to 10. Since the start of our financial year on
1 May 2005, Sunbelt has now acquired a total of 15 stores whose annual revenues
exceed $64 million and has opened a further three new stores on a greenfield
basis.

George Burnett, Ashtead's chief executive commented:

'Northridge is a strong business with five stores which are well established in
their local markets. Its acquisition significantly strengthens Sunbelt's
presence in central and southern California and continues our strategy of
focusing on the development of significant clusters of conveniently located
stores in attractive markets. We have invested $100 million so far this year on
acquisitions that extend Sunbelt's presence in attractive US markets.'

Contacts:

Cob Stenham Non-executive chairman 020 7299 5562

George Burnett Chief executive )

Ian Robson Finance director ) 01372 362300

Brian Hudspith Maitland 020 7379 5151