Director/PDMR Shareholding

Ashtead Group plc

4 June 2008

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

                            Directors Shareholding                             

Ashtead Group plc announces that following the maturity of the Company's 2004
Save As You Earn Scheme, Mr S I Robson has purchased and held 43,417 ordinary
10p shares at an exercise price of 22.39p.

Following these purchases Mr Robson's beneficial holding is 1,067,957 shares or
0.20% of the Company's issued share capital.

Additionally, Mr Robson conditionally holds 354,213 ordinary shares under the
Company's Performance Share Plan.

Contact:

Eric Watkins, Legal Counsel and Company Secretary 020 7726 9740