20 February, 2004

Non executive Directorate Change

Ashtead Group plc announces that its former chairman, Henry Staunton, retires today from his position as non-executive director having completed the planned handover period to Cob Stenham who succeeded Henry as chairman on 1 January 2004.

Henry Staunton is finance director of the newly formed ITV plc. The Board wishes to record its appreciation to Henry for his service as chairman between 2001 and 2003 and as a non-executive director since November 1997.