News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2005

Hancock Bank branches open today

     GULFPORT, MS (July 11, 2005 - 7:00 a.m. CDT) - Hancock Bank branches will open for regular business hours today, Monday, July 11, 2005.

Bank officials said this morning that Hancock's business recovery team will continue to track Hurricane Dennis' impact on the company's four-state Gulf South market, and Hancock bankers will be available to assist customers with financial solutions necessary for quick storm recovery.

"We've helped our customers weather literal and figurative storms since 1899. Our Hancock family will be here to help folks with the comprehensive financial resources they need following Hurricane Dennis," said Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer George A. Schloegel.

Schloegel said customers can call Hancock Bank's toll-free customer service lines in Mississippi (1-800-448-8812), Louisiana (1-800-256-4636), or Florida (1-800-726-0920) or visit us online to locate the nearest of Hancock Bank's 103 branches and 140-plus ATMs or to learn more about Hancock Bank telephone and online banking.

He also encouraged bank employees to call their immediate supervisors or the company's disaster recovery hotline to report special storm-related circumstances or needs affecting the associates and their families.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - the parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $4.8 billion. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands as one of the strongest, safest financial institutions in America. Bank subsidiaries include Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Hancock also has corporate trust offices in Gulfport, MS, Jackson, MS, Baton Rouge, LA, and downtown New Orleans, LA, and a business financial center in Alabama's port city of Mobile.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, VP & Corporate Communications Manager
(228) 214-5252 or 1.800.522.6542 (x.85252)
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com