Transaction in Own Shares

Ashtead Group plc ("the Company") announces that on 20 May 2008 it purchased
through Hoare Govett Limited's affiliate, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., London Branch,
400,000 ordinary shares at an average price of 69.53 pence per share.

The Company intends to hold these shares in Treasury.

Following the purchase of these shares, the Company holds 33,864,069 of its
shares in Treasury and has 527,708,657 shares in issue (excluding Treasury
shares).

This number (527,708,657) represents the total voting rights in the Company and
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.

Enquiries:

Ashtead Group plc 020 7726 9740

Eric Watkins