Holding(s) in Company

Ashtead Group plc

14th March 2006

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                            Ordinary Shares of 10p                             

Ashtead Group plc announces that it has been advised by Aegon Asset Management
UK plc that as at the 13th March 2006, the total interest held within the Aegon
UK plc Group of Companies, following the disposal of 1,263,000 shares, is
27,948,132 (or 6.9%) of its shares.