Strategic Options Review

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC
30 August 1999
              ASHTEAD GROUP PLC EXPLORING STRATEGIC OPTIONS

The Board of Directors of Ashtead Group plc, the UK's largest equipment rental
company, announces that it has engaged Salomon Smith Barney to review
strategic options to enhance shareholder value, which could include a merger,
joint venture or the sale of the company.

Peter Lewis, Chairman, commented:

'We said at the time of our annual results in July that we were looking at
expanding our US operations and participating in the substantial growth
opportunities available in the equipment rental sector. Over the past weeks,
we have received a number of enquiries regarding a range of possible strategic
transactions.  The Company's Board of Directors has decided that, in light of
these enquiries as well as substantial recent consolidation in the equipment
rental sector, it is appropriate to formalise this process and to explore all
of our strategic options in order to maximise shareholder value.'

Enquiries: 

Ashtead Group plc           Peter Lewis              [phone]
                            George Burnett       

Salomon Smith Barney        Philip Keevil            [phone]
                            Anthony Parsons
                            Aaron Brown              
                                                 
Financial Dynamics          Tim Spratt               [phone]
                            Tony Knox

Ashtead is the leading equipment rental company in the UK and the tenth
largest in the US.  Ashtead employs over 3,700 people worldwide. For the
financial year ending April 30, 1999, Ashtead generated revenues of £256.0
million and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA) of £114.4 million.  Between financial years 1993 and 1999, Ashtead's
EBITDA and earnings per share grew at compound annual growth rates of 47% and
42%, respectively.

Salomon Brothers International Limited ('Salomon Smith Barney') which is
regulated by The Securities and Futures Authority Limited, is acting for
Ashtead Group plc and no one else in relation to this press release and will
not be responsible to anyone other than Ashtead Group plc for providing the
protection afforded to customers of Salomon Smith Barney.