Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid with alcohols. The process comprises reacting the preformed ester of a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 monohydric alcohol having only one oxygen function under transesterification conditions with a second alcohol having at least two carbon atoms and at least two oxygen functions in the presence of a catalyst comprising (a) an oxide, hydroxide or nitrate of calcium or barium and (b) a lithium compound LiX wherein X is nitrate, sulphite or carboxylate having more than six carbon atoms such that both (a) and (b) are not nitrate in the same catalyst.