Statement re Share Price Movement

ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                  Potential acquisition in the United States                   

The Board of Directors of Ashtead Group plc ("Ashtead") notes today's movement
in the share price and is taking this opportunity to announce that it is in
advanced, exclusive discussions regarding a potential acquisition of a leading
provider of equipment rental services in the United States for a consideration
of approximately US$1,000 million.

The acquisition would be significantly earnings enhancing in the financial year
ending April 2008, the first full year of operation of the enlarged group. Any
transaction would be subject to Ashtead shareholder approval and would be
funded, in part, through a rights issue of £150 million. There can be no
assurance that the transaction will proceed.

A further announcement will be made in due course.


Contacts:

Ashtead

Cob Stenham, Non-executive Chairman    [phone]

George Burnett, Chief Executive        [phone]

Ian Robson, Finance Director           [phone]

Maitland

Brian Hudspith                         [phone]