News/Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18 , 2003

Hancock Bank - one of America's top banks - to open Mobile business center

GULFPORT, MS (September 18, 2003) - At 104, Hancock Bank is hardly the new kid in the financial neighborhood. However, with the official opening of Hancock's new business financial center at 6312 Piccadilly Square Drive in Mobile, AL, next Thursday, September 25, 2003, the five-star financial leader now extends its bright regional beacon of innovative financial services across the Bay City's commercial community.

Serving as the hub for Hancock's South Alabama commercial initiatives, the Hancock Bank business financial center will offer area business and professional clients direct access to Hancock's comprehensive financial management resources, including commercial services, business and construction loans, private banking, trusts and investments, and mortgage services. Mobile community business bankers Mike O'Sullivan and Jacqueline McMillin Long will lead a team of financial specialists responsible for managing all aspects of clients' commercial and individual financial needs.

"Hancock Bank has been a principal player in the Gulf South financial market since 1899. Launching a commercial center in thriving metropolitan Mobile is the next logical step to expanding our network of regional resources strategically along the I-10 corridor while keeping the decision-making at a local level," said O'Sullivan.

Hancock Bank currently operates 102 full-service offices and more than 135 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi and Louisiana as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Hancock Mortgage Corporation, and Harrison Finance Company. The company also offers on-line banking and bill pay services at www.hancockbank.com.

"Our founders chose our lighthouse logo for a reason: Just as the Ship Island lighthouse led sailors and merchant seamen to safe harbor for more than 100 years, we remain committed to guiding our clients toward financial success in hometowns from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle," added O'Sullivan, referencing the philosophy behind the corporate hallmark prominent in Hancock's branding and advertising.

Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC), parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi) and Hancock Bank of Louisiana, has more than $4.1 billion in assets. Veribanc, Inc., has consistently granted Hancock Bank the Blue Ribbon Bank Commendation of Excellence - the country's oldest formal recognition of exceptionally high banking standards - for financial strength and stability. Additionally, BAUEFINANCIAL, Inc., has consecutively awarded Hancock Bank a five-star superior rating (the highest rating possible). Hancock Bank was founded October 9, 1899, and is headquartered in Gulfport.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
R. Paul Maxwell, AVP & Corporate Communications Manager
1.800.522.6542 (x. 85252) or 228.214.5252
paul_maxwell@hancockbank.com