Result of General Meeting

Ashtead Group PLC
30 May 2000


Ashtead Group plc (the 'Company')

RESULT OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

At the Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today the resolutions to
approve the acquisition of BET USA, Inc. (the 'Acquisition') and to amend the
Articles of Association to increase the Company's borrowing limits were passed
by the shareholders of the Company. The Company expects completion of the
Acquisition to take place on 1 June, 2000.

Enquiries:

Schroder Salomon Smith Barney
Anthony Parsons                     020 7721 2000
Philip Drinkall