Director/PDMR Shareholding

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

                          Share Purchase by Director                           

Ashtead Group plc announces that its Chief Executive, Geoff Drabble, has today
purchased 50,000 ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 130.25 pence per
share.

Following today's purchase Mr Drabble beneficially holds 261,357 ordinary 10p
shares in the Company (0.04% of the Company's issued share capital).

Contacts:

Chris Cole          Chairman        020 7314 5121             
                                                                           
Brian Hudspith      Maitland        020 7379 5151