Directorate Change

Ashtead Group plc

8 June 2007

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                               Board Appointment                               

Ashtead Group PLC announces the appointment of Bruce Edwards as an independent
non-executive director effective 8 June 2007.

Mr. Edwards is currently the Global Chief Executive Officer for Exel Supply
Chain for Deutsche Post World Net, following its acquisition of Exel PLC in
December of 2005. Prior to the acquisition Mr. Edwards was a director of Exel
PLC and Chief Executive of its Americas businesses. Mr. Edwards is also a
non-executive director of Greif Inc, a NYSE-listed packaging and container
manufacturer. He is an American citizen and lives in Columbus, Ohio.

The Company confirms that there are no other disclosures required under the
Listing Rules in respect of Bruce Edwards.

Contacts:

Chris Cole          Chairman                                020 7314 5121      
                                                                               
Geoff Drabble       Chief executive                         01372 362300