Transesterification of methyl esters was accelerated by an in situ-generated metal-free catalyst comprising a quaternary alkylammonium salt and an epoxide. The combination of a quaternary alkylammonium acetate and glycidol is optimal, and various esters were synthesized from methyl esters with alcohols in good to excellent yield. Analysis of the catalyst solution revealed that basic species are generated by the ring-opening reaction of epoxide.