Type: Public
On the web: http://www.markelcorp.com
Employees: 4,800
Employee growth: 71.4%

Have you ever thought about who insures the manicurist or an antique motorcycle? Specialty insurer Markel Corporation takes on the risks other insurers won't touch, from amusement parks to thoroughbred horses and summer camps. Coverage is also available for one-time events, such as golf tournaments and auto races. Markel's commercial excess and surplus products include a wide range of liabilities (professional, pollution) while its specialty admitted segment covers businesses ranging from martial arts schools to dude ranches. Markel International provides specialty insurance internationally from its base in the UK. The company distributes its products through independent agents and brokers.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2010:
Sales: $2,225.4M
One year growth: 7.5%
Net income: $266.8M
Income growth: 32.3%

Officers:
Chairman and CEO: Alan I. Kirshner
President and Chief Investment Officer; President, Markel-Gayner Asset Management: Thomas S. Gayner
President and Co-COO: F. Michael (Mike) Crowley

Competitors:
CNA Financial
Meadowbrook Insurance
Travelers Companies

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