Ashtead Group plc is pleased to announce that Christopher Cole who has been serving as interim non-executive Chairman of the Group since 27 October 2006 has been appointed as the Group's permanent non-executive Chairman. Mr Cole, Chief Executive of WSP Group plc has been a director of the Ashtead Group since January 2002.

Hugh Etheridge has been appointed as senior independent non-executive director. Mr Etheridge has been a director of the Ashtead Group since January 2004.

Michael Burrow has been appointed as a non-executive director of the Group. Mr Burrow was formerly Managing Director of the Investment Banking Group of Lehman Brothers Europe Limited. The Company confirms that there are no other disclosures required under the Listing Rules in respect of Michael Burrow.

All of the above appointments were effective from 1st March 2007. For further information contact:

Chris Cole
Chairman
020 7314 5121

Geoff Drabble
Chief executive
01372 362 300

Brian Hudspith
The Maitland Consultancy
020 7379 5151