Directorate Change

Ashtead Group plc

1st May 2007

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                              Directorate Change                               

Ashtead Group plc announces that Philip A Lovegrove, who has served as a
non-executive director since 1984, retired from the Board of Directors with
effect from 30th April 2007.

Contacts:

Chris Cole          Chairman                                020 7314 5121      
                                                                               
Geoff Drabble       Chief executive                  )                         
                                                                               
Ian Robson          Finance director                 )      01372 362300