Block Listing of Shares

Ashtead Group plc

2nd October 2006

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                                (the "Company")                                

                            Block Listing of Shares                            

Application has been made to The Financial Services Authority and the London
Stock Exchange for a block listing of 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 10p each
(the "New Shares") to be issued in connection with the Ashtead Group plc
Savings Related Share Option Scheme. The New Shares are to be admitted to the
Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to be admitted to trading on the
London Stock Exchange upon issuance, and will rank pari passu with the existing
issued ordinary shares of the Company.

Contact:
Eric Watkins, Legal Counsel and Company Secretary Tel no. 01372 224 773