Change of Auditors

Ashtead Group PLC
23 March 2004




Ashtead Group plc
23 March 2004


                               ASHTEAD GROUP PLC

                               CHANGE OF AUDITORS


The Board of Ashtead Group plc (the 'Company') announces that it has appointed
Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors to the Company. Deloitte & Touche have
confirmed to the Company their acceptance of the appointment.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have resigned as auditors and have confirmed to the
Company that there are no circumstances connected with their resignation which
they consider should be brought to the attention of shareholders or creditors of
the Company under Section 394 of the Companies Act 1985.


Accordingly, Deloitte & Touche will conduct the audit of the Company's accounts
for the financial year ending 30 April 2004.


For further information contact:

Cob Stenham    Chairman             Ashtead Group plc        0207 299 5562
Ian Robson     Finance Director     Ashtead Group plc        01372 362300


END






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