Circular Posted

Ashtead Group PLC
8 May 2000


Ashtead Group plc (the 'Company')

Proposed acquisition of BET USA, inc.

Further to the Company's announcement of 20 April, 2000, a circular containing
the Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 30 May, 2000 was
posted to shareholders on Saturday, 6 May. The Notice contains proposed
resolutions to approve the acquisition of BET USA, Inc. and to amend the
Articles of Association to increase the Company's borrowing limits.

Enquiries:

Salomon Smith Barney
Anthony Parsons       020 7721 2000
Philip Drinkall