Markel Ventures

Markel Ventures, a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, is a private equity arm that invests in mature companies across various sectors, excluding the specialty insurance sector. It focuses on buyouts, industry consolidation, growth capital, and acquisitions, with a global investment scope. Markel Ventures typically invests in companies with EBITDA ranging from $25 million to $100 million, and enterprise values between $100 million and $1 billion. The firm prefers majority control, aiming for at least an 80% stake in its portfolio companies. It uses permanent capital for financing, minimizing debt, and seeks long-term investments with no planned exit. Markel Ventures was established in 2005 and is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia.

33 past transactions

The Meco Group

Acquisition in 2025
The Meco Group specializes in marine insurance and maritime consultancy services, aiming to provide financial security to the global shipping and logistics sector. The company offers a range of products including transmarine insurance, charterers protection, strikes insurance, and marine trade disruption insurance. Additionally, Meco Group provides underwriting, claims handling, loss prevention services, and trading certificates, assisting clients in resolving disputes related to maritime trade and transport. Through these offerings, the company supports its clients in navigating the complexities of maritime operations and ensuring the protection of their interests.

Certa Insurance Partners

Corporate Round in 2023
Certa Insurance Partners, based in London, is an underwriting agency that focuses on providing tax insurance solutions. It specializes in tax and contingent risk insurance, offering tailored coverage to mitigate financial risks associated with tax liabilities and other uncertain events.

Hagerty

Post in 2023
Hagerty is a family-owned insurance agency that specializes in providing insurance services for classic cars and trucks, as well as boats. With a focus on niche markets, Hagerty is dedicated to offering tailored insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of classic vehicle enthusiasts. The company emphasizes continuous improvement and strives to deliver exceptional customer service, reflecting its deep passion for automotive culture and heritage. Through its specialized offerings, Hagerty aims to support clients in protecting their valuable assets while fostering a community of classic car and boat lovers.

Cowbell

Series B in 2022
Cowbell Cyber, Inc., established in 2019, specializes in providing cyber insurance solutions tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, with additional offices across the U.S., the company's AI-powered platform quantifies insurable cyber risk, offering standalone coverage that adapts to evolving threats. Cowbell serves various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance, providing continuous risk assessment, underwriting, and a comprehensive risk management approach that encompasses prevention, mitigation, incident preparedness, and response services.

Metromont

Acquisition in 2021
Metromont is a leading precast concrete manufacturer located in Greenville, South Carolina, serving the southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions. The company specializes in producing precast concrete materials essential for the construction of data centers, warehouses, multi-family residential buildings, parking decks, and various other commercial and industrial structures. In addition to manufacturing, Metromont offers a range of complementary services, including design and engineering, hauling, erection, and field support. These services aim to assist general contractors and construction firms in effectively meeting their project requirements.

Cowbell

Series A in 2021
Cowbell Cyber, Inc., established in 2019, specializes in providing cyber insurance solutions tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, with additional offices across the U.S., the company's AI-powered platform quantifies insurable cyber risk, offering standalone coverage that adapts to evolving threats. Cowbell serves various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance, providing continuous risk assessment, underwriting, and a comprehensive risk management approach that encompasses prevention, mitigation, incident preparedness, and response services.

Nephila Capital

Acquisition in 2018
Nephila Capital Limited, founded in 1997 and based in Hamilton, Bermuda, is an investment manager that specializes in reinsurance risk. The company focuses on managing a variety of investment products, including insurance-linked securities, catastrophe bonds, insurance swaps, and weather derivatives. Nephila sources, analyzes, prices, underwrites, executes, and values reinsurance risk, catering to institutional investors seeking tailored investment opportunities. With a strong emphasis on climate risk management and catastrophe reinsurance, the firm employs proprietary systems and analytical platforms, leveraging its expertise to provide comprehensive investment and reinsurance risk management services.

Costa Farms

Acquisition in 2017
Costa Farms is a third-generation, family-owned business established in 1961 by Jose Costa. The company specializes in the production of ornamental plants, including tropical landscape plants, perennial plants, and container gardens, which are designed to enhance home and garden aesthetics. With operations spanning over 4,000 acres globally, Costa Farms employs nearly 5,000 individuals. The company is dedicated to helping customers cultivate a variety of flowering plants, enabling them to beautify their living spaces.

State National Companies

Acquisition in 2017
State National Companies operates as a subsidiary of Markel Corporation and specializes in property and casualty insurance within two distinct niche markets in the United States. The company offers collateral protection insurance, which covers personal automobiles and other vehicles used as collateral for loans provided by credit unions, banks, and specialty finance companies. Additionally, through its Program Services segment, State National leverages its strong financial rating and extensive licensing to facilitate access to the U.S. property and casualty insurance market, generating revenue through ceding fees. This dual focus allows the company to meet the specific insurance needs of its clients while capitalizing on market opportunities.

Next Insurance

Series A in 2017
Next Insurance Inc. is an online insurance agency that specializes in providing various insurance products and services tailored for small businesses. Founded in 2015 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers business, general liability, professional liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation insurance. By leveraging technology, Next Insurance eliminates the need for agents and reduces costs, enabling it to offer competitive pricing. The company's services cater to a diverse range of sectors, including construction, fitness, cleaning, beauty, therapy, entertainment, and education. Additionally, Next Insurance prioritizes timely claims processing, often investigating claims within 48 hours to ensure transparency and efficiency for its clients.

Allsport Insurance Marketing

Acquisition in 2017
Allsport Insurance Marketing Ltd is a managing general agent based in Burnaby, Canada, specializing in insurance solutions tailored for sports, leisure, and recreation activities. Established in 1987, the company offers a comprehensive range of coverage options that include sport liability, sport accident, travel medical, special events, and optional coverage. In addition to insurance products, Allsport provides risk management services such as loss control programs and waivers to enhance safety for its clients. The company serves various client groups, including sports associations and those involved in family and community celebrations. Allsport Insurance Marketing Ltd operates as a subsidiary of Markel Canada Limited, demonstrating its commitment to delivering effective insurance solutions to Canadians engaged in recreational activities.

SureTec Financial

Acquisition in 2017
SureTec Financial is one of the largest privately owned surety companies in the United States, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Its primary subsidiary, SureTec Insurance Company, holds an A (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. The company specializes in casualty insurance, underwriting contract bonds, and providing commercial surety services. SureTec offers a variety of commercial bonds, including those for licenses and permits, judicial and court requirements, and state professional licenses, ensuring clients can conduct their business securely. With a presence in 50 states and offices in major cities such as Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, and Orange County, California, SureTec collaborates with professional surety producers and independent agents to deliver its services effectively. Additionally, the company has one international affiliate, further extending its reach.

CapTech

Acquisition in 2015
CapTech Ventures, Inc. is an information technology management consulting firm based in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 1997. The company specializes in technology, customer experience, data and analytics, and transformation services. It serves a diverse range of sectors including banking and financial services, energy and utilities, retail and consumer goods, healthcare and life sciences, travel and hospitality, and government. CapTech has experienced significant growth since its inception, expanding from initial revenues of $380,000 to millions over the years, all while remaining privately held. The firm operates multiple offices across the United States, including locations in Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. CapTech's success is attributed to its strong partnerships with clients and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Vanderpol

Acquisition in 2014
Vanderpol Baking Systems is a Netherlands-based designer and manufacturer of baking equipment, specializing in the development of waffle production lines, ovens, and handling equipment. The company aims to be recognized globally as a professional and flexible organization that delivers high-quality solutions at competitive prices. With a strong focus on achieving the perfect waffle, Vanderpol combines advanced oven technology with skilled food engineering. Drawing on a rich heritage from the waffle-making traditions of the Netherlands and Belgium, Vanderpol is committed to ensuring that its clients' production processes run smoothly from start to finish.

Den Boer Baking Systems

Acquisition in 2014
Den Boer Baking Systems is a designer and manufacturer of baking equipment, specializing in high-quality tunnel ovens and a variety of related products, including waffle and handling equipment. With over a century of experience in oven construction, the company aims to be recognized globally for its professionalism and flexibility while providing competitively priced solutions. Den Boer Baking Systems places significant emphasis on customer service, offering 24/7 support for practical advice, training, and on-site assistance, thereby enhancing the value of its offerings.

Cottrell

Acquisition in 2014
Cottrell, Inc. is a manufacturer specializing in over-the-road automobile transport and car hauler equipment, established in 1975 and based in Gainesville, Georgia. The company offers a range of products including high sideframe trailers, low sideframe trailers, hi mount trailers, enclosed transporters, and various aftermarket parts and accessories. Cottrell serves the U.S. market and exports its products to countries such as Mexico, Canada, South America, Australia, and South Africa. Its distribution network includes dealers located in several states across the United States, as well as in Canada. Additionally, Cottrell provides refurbishment services for car hauler equipment, helping clients manage costs while meeting their transportation needs. The company is recognized for its commitment to product quality and customer service, underpinned by strong financial stability and ongoing investments in product development.

Abbey Protection

Acquisition in 2014
Abbey Protection is a provider of legal and tax professional services along with insurance products tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The company specializes in offering legal and professional fees insurance, which safeguards clients against the costs associated with legal actions and investigations by HMRC. Abbey Protection not only sells but also underwrites these insurance products, ensuring that SMEs have access to the necessary financial support to manage legal expenses effectively.

Eagle Construction

Acquisition in 2013
Eagle Construction is a homebuilder in central Virginia.

Alterra Capital Holdings

Acquisition in 2012
Alterra Capital Holdings is a Bermuda-based provider of insurance and reinsurance products, specializing in both life and annuity markets, including disability, as well as property and casualty insurance. The company offers a diverse range of structured reinsurance products, targeting superior risk-adjusted returns through a well-diversified investment portfolio. Alterra focuses on managing its reinsurance liability exposure and assessing overall risk by modeling its underwriting and investments in an integrated manner. This strategic approach aims to generate superior returns on equity compared to competitors in the industry. Additionally, the company provides various insurance solutions, including aviation, excess liability, professional liability, and workers compensation, among others, enhancing its presence in the American market.

Reading Bakery Systems

Acquisition in 2012
Reading Bakery Systems, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of industrial bakery equipment, specializing in the design, production, and distribution of systems used in the creation of a wide variety of baked goods. The company offers an extensive range of equipment, including mixing, dough handling, forming, baking, and drying systems, as well as specialized lines for producing snacks such as pretzels, biscuits, and crackers. Established in 1947 and based in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, Reading Bakery Systems also operates facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company provides solutions for both baked and fried products, offering unit machines and turnkey systems that ensure high-volume production. Additionally, it supports clients with parts, retrofits, and advanced data logging systems for process optimization. With a focus on innovation, Reading Bakery Systems features a dedicated research and development facility where clients can collaborate on product development and machinery testing.

Havco

Acquisition in 2012
Havco Wood Products LLC is a manufacturer specializing in oak hardwood and composite wood flooring tailored for the truck trailer and intermodal container industries. Established in 1978, the company is headquartered in Scott City, Missouri, with additional facilities in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Vonore, Tennessee. Havco offers a range of products, including laminated oak floors and fusion floors, as well as water-based treatments that enhance durability and resistance to decay. The company focuses on providing sustainable and high-quality flooring solutions that meet the needs of its clients while maintaining competitive pricing.

Thompson Insurance Enterprises

Acquisition in 2011
Thompson Insurance Enterprises is a privately held Program Administrator that specializes in underwriting multi-line, industry-focused insurance programs. The company operates in the United States and offers a comprehensive range of loss control services, including professional liability assessments, liability exposure assessments, fire protection surveys, and emergency evacuation evaluations. Additionally, it conducts accident investigations, fleet safety assessments, and property loss evaluations. Thompson Insurance Enterprises also emphasizes safety training, providing defensive driving training and developing emergency evacuation programs. Furthermore, the company offers financing services to support its clients' insurance needs.

Weldship

Acquisition in 2011
Weldship is a manufacturer and supplier that focuses on storage and transportation equipment for the industrial and specialty gas industries. The company produces a variety of products, including high-pressure tube trailers, ISO-certified containers, and industrial gas ground storage tubes. By providing these specialized products, Weldship ensures the careful handling and delivery of industrial gases and chemicals, catering to the unique needs of its clients in this sector. Additionally, the company offers leasing options for its equipment, further enhancing its service capabilities.

PartnerMD

Acquisition in 2011
PartnerMD, LLC is a concierge medical practice based in Richmond, Virginia, that specializes in primary care and executive health services for individual and corporate clients. Founded in 2002, the company operates multiple offices in Virginia, including locations in Richmond, McLean, and Midlothian. PartnerMD offers a range of services, including executive physicals, corporate wellness programs, and personalized health monitoring. Patients pay a membership fee, which allows for a reduced doctor-patient ratio and fosters stronger relationships between doctors and patients, enabling more individualized attention and comprehensive health management. The practice emphasizes direct communication and provides access to in-office nutritionists and exercise physiologists, ensuring that patients receive tailored support to achieve their health goals under professional supervision.

Solbern

Acquisition in 2010
Solbern, LLC is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial food processing equipment, primarily serving the food industry. Based in Fairfield, New Jersey, the company has over 50 years of experience in designing and producing a diverse range of equipment. Their product offerings include liquid and solid fillers, briners, dough folders, and specialized machinery such as pickle packers, automatic spear packers, spear cutters, and slab slicers. Solbern’s filling equipment is particularly noted for its accuracy and durability, catering to various container sizes from retail products to larger cans. The company has developed specialized solutions for the pickle industry and has expanded its capabilities to automate the processing of prepared foods, such as burritos and egg rolls. With a commitment to innovation, Solbern actively seeks new applications and product developments to enhance efficiency and quality for its clients in the highly competitive food packaging sector. The company markets its products through a sales team in the United States and a network of international sales agents.

Markel|Eagle Partners

Acquisition in 2010
Markel|Eagle Partners LLC, based in Henrico, Virginia, is a prominent real estate asset manager specializing in distressed investments. With over a century of combined experience, the company's approach centers on creating value through capital application, operational expertise, and risk mitigation. Unlike traditional methods, Markel|Eagle focuses on enhancing existing developments and properties, rather than simply acquiring and holding distressed assets. The company's initial fund, Markel|Eagle Partners Fund I LLC, invests in real estate ventures across the Mid-Atlantic region, with a notable project being West Broad Village, a $300 million, upscale commercial and residential community in Henrico, Virginia.

Ellicott Dredges

Acquisition in 2009
Ellicott Dredges, LLC is a designer and manufacturer of portable dredging equipment, focusing on providing solutions for governments, contractors, miners, and marine operators. The company specializes in cutter suction dredges, which are essential for various applications including environmental remediation, sand and gravel mining, as well as dredging operations in ports, harbors, and waterways. Ellicott Dredges also offers booster pumps and pump barges, enabling efficient removal of solid material from underwater environments and facilitating its transportation to designated locations. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Ellicott Dredges serves a diverse range of clients in the dredging industry.

Panel Specialists

Acquisition in 2009
Panel Specialists, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Temple, Texas, specializing in the design and production of interior building products for diverse markets. The company offers an extensive range of wall panel systems, including high-pressure laminates, wood veneers, and metal laminates, along with custom marine panels, medical casework, and residential life furniture tailored for colleges and universities. Additionally, Panel Specialists provides contract manufacturing services, which encompass lamination, cutting, edge profiling, drilling, assembly, and packaging for a variety of industries. The firm focuses on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces, supporting projects in reception areas, hallways, lobbies, and classrooms. With a dedicated team of engineers, project managers, and skilled operators, the company ensures that it meets the unique needs of its clients while delivering high-quality manufacturing solutions.

ParkLand Ventures

Acquisition in 2008
ParkLand Ventures, Inc. is engaged in the acquisition and operation of manufactured housing communities across the United States. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia, the company has established properties in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. In addition to managing these communities, ParkLand Ventures also markets and finances homes for its residents. The company is dedicated to providing exceptional housing value through attractive manufactured homes at various price points. ParkLand Ventures invests significant resources into enhancing its communities, aiming to create environments that appeal to residents and offer compelling value compared to other options in the market.

AMF Bakery Systems

Acquisition in 2005
AMF Bakery Systems Inc. is a leading manufacturer of automated bakery equipment, providing comprehensive solutions for the baking industry. The company specializes in a wide range of products, including dough systems, make-up systems, proofing and baking systems, cooling systems, and packaging solutions. Its offerings encompass dough distribution, fermentation rooms, mixers, dividers, proofers, ovens, and various handling systems for both products and pans. Additionally, AMF Bakery Systems provides automation products for loading and palletizing, as well as project management services to support bakery operations. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the company has established a global presence with facilities and offices across North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. AMF Bakery Systems is recognized for its innovative technologies and commitment to quality, making it a trusted partner for bakeries worldwide.

Terra Nova Holdings

Acquisition in 1999
Terra Nova Holdings Ltd provides insurance underwriting services for specialty property, casualty, marine, and aviation insurance.
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