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January 20, 2026

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car haulers

Markel Acquires Cottrell

July 28, 2014 by John McNulty

Markel Ventures has acquired a majority interest in Cottrell, a manufacturer of over-the-road automobile transport equipment.

“For 35 years Cottrell has found success by staying close to its customers and by responding rapidly to their needs. Our approach allows Cottrell to continue doing exactly that as a permanent member of the Markel Ventures group of companies,” said Thomas Gayner, President of Markel Ventures.

Cottrell is manufacturer of over-the-road car hauler equipment and related car hauler parts. The company was founded in 1975 and is based in Gainesville, GA (www.cottrelltrailers.com).

Markel Ventures is a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, a financial holding company with insurance, industrial, and service operations serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Ventures was established to acquire majority control of companies with revenues from $25 million to $250 million and EBITDAs from $5 million to $50 million. Sectors of interest include diversified manufacturing; service and value-added distribution; consumer and industrial products; capital equipment; and healthcare. The firm is based in Glen Allen, VA (www.markelcorp.com).

“We wanted to find a partner that understood the way we do business and that would support us as we continue down the path we started on over 35 years ago. Markel is clearly that partner,” said Danny Zink, Cottrell’s President and CEO.

2014 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 7-28-14

Filed Under: New Platform, Transactions Tagged With: car haulers

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