Total Voting Rights

Ashtead Group plc

5 February 2009

                                   ASHTEAD GROUP PLC
                               Voting Rights and Capital

In conformity with the Transparency Directive's transitional provision 6,
Ashtead Group plc notifies the market of the following:

1. Ashtead Group plc's capital consists of 503,325,554 ordinary shares
with voting rights.

2. The above figure (503,325,554) may be used by shareholders as the
denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they
are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their
interest in Ashtead Group plc under the FSA's Disclosure and
Transparency Rules.

Contact:

Eric Watkins, Legal Counsel and Company Secretary 020 7726 9740