Director/PDMR Shareholding

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

                           INVESTMENT INCENTIVE PLAN                           

Following the vesting of 55,305 shares under the Company's Investment Plan, on
30 August 2007 Mr Satpal Dhaiwal has today transferred 22,301 shares at 128.5p
per share to the Employee Share Option Trust in settlement of his tax liability
in respect of the vesting.

Mr Dhaiwal continues to hold the balance of the vested shares and his
beneficial holding is 207,516 ordinary shares (0.04% of the Company's issued
share capital).

Additionally, Mr Dhaiwal conditionally holds 328,392 shares under the Company's
Performance Share Plan.

Contacts:

Geoff Drabble        Chief Executive       020 7726 9700