News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2005

Hancock Bank Saturday branches open tomorrow

     GULFPORT, MS (August 26, 2005, 4:30 p.m. CDT) - As coastal residents from Tallahassee to Texas keep a wary collective eye on Hurricane Katrina's yet uncertain trek, Hancock Bank branches with Saturday banking hours in South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida will open for regular business hours tomorrow, Saturday, August 27, 2005.

Bank executives said the company is carefully monitoring Katrina's course through nine difference national weather resources. Based on current forecast models, Hancock managers decided to maintain a business-as-usual posture to serve customers completing precautionary storm readiness plans.

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, with 103 offices and more than 140 automated teller machines in South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle.

Corporate information, including a branch locator listing business hours, is available on the Hancock Bank website.

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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