Holding(s) in Company

Ashtead Group PLC
23 April 2004


Ashtead Group PLC (the 'Company')

Notification under Part VI of the Companies Act 1985

The Company received a notification on the 22 April 2004 from Scottish Widows
Investment Partnership on behalf of Lloyds TSB Group plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc
and Scottish Widows Group Limited, informing it that they have an interest in
19,922,321 shares representing 6.1% of the issued ordinary share capital of the
Company.

It is understood that of the 19,922,321 shares mentioned above 14,293,000 shares
are material interests (4.4%) and are registered in State Street Nominees
Limited.

23 April 2004




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