Completion of Acquisition

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                     COMPLETION OF NATIONSRENT ACQUISITION                     

Ashtead Group plc ("Ashtead"), the equipment rental group serving principally
the US and UK non-residential construction markets, today announces the
completion of the acquisition of NationsRent Companies, Inc. ("NationsRent"),
details of which were announced on 19 July 2006.

The acquisition of NationsRent by Ashtead's US subsidiary, Sunbelt Rentals,
forms the third largest provider in the large and growing US rental market,
principally serving the non-residential construction market.

George Burnett, Ashtead's Chief Executive, said:

"We are delighted to have acquired NationsRent, a move that effectively
accomplishes our five year US growth strategy in a single step and with minimum
overlap. NationsRent is a high quality business that will benefit further from
the application of Sunbelt's successful front line sales management techniques
as we integrate the two businesses."

ENQUIRIES:

Ashtead
Cob Stenham, Non-executive Chairman                 [phone]
George Burnett, Chief Executive                     [phone]
Ian Robson, Finance Director                        [phone]

Maitland
Brian Hudspith                                      [phone]