FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              CONTACT: MICHAEL HENMAN
  TELEPHONE: 020 7367 5100
               

April 8, 2011 --- Markel Corporation, the US-based property and casualty insurance holding company, has been granted permission from the Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission to set up a representative office in Beijing. Chen Dai will be appointed Chief Representative of the office.

The office will begin operations after completing registration with the Beijing Administration for Industry and Commerce, as well as meeting other post-registration procedures. It will represent Markel in mainland China, provide a sound platform for Markel to research the Chinese market, and continue to show Markel’s long term commitment to China.