Transaction in Own Shares

Ashtead Group plc

25 June 2008

                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC                               

                            Ordinary Shares of 10p                             

Ashtead Group plc announces it has been advised that on 24 June 2008, Lazard
Asset Management LLC were indirectly interested in a total of 28,056,565 shares
(or 5.38% of its share capital).

Enquiries:

Ashtead Group plc 020 7726 9740

Eric Watkins