Acquisition of BET USA, Inc. Completed

Ashtead Group PLC
1 June 2000

                    Ashtead Group plc (the 'Company')

                 ACQUISITION OF BET USA, INC. COMPLETED

Ashtead Group plc today announces that completion of the acquisition of BET
USA, Inc., which was approved by shareholders on 30 May, 2000, has taken
place. As contemplated by the stock purchase agreement relating to the
acquisition, the Company has issued £134 million in principal amount of 5.25
per cent. subordinated unsecured convertible loan notes due 2008.

Enquiries:

Schroder Salomon Smith Barney
Anthony Parsons                                                  020 7721 2000
Philip Drinkall