GULFPORT, MS (February 23, 2007) - In its 2006 year-end report, Thomson Financial, a leading provider of financial services information and analysis, ranked Hancock Bank as the ninth largest corporate trustee bank in the country, with $2.38 billion in bonds delivered for the year.

     "We are pleased to be recognized as one of the leaders in our industry," said Colin Hedlund, Senior Vice President and Corporate Trust Manager. "This ranking reflects the degree of satisfaction our clients have with our service levels. Our offices are strategically located in the centers of finance and commerce for Mississippi and Louisiana. These local facilities make it easy for clients, as well as their attorneys, underwriters and financial advisors to work with Hancock Bank."

     For more than seventy years, Hancock has offered corporate trust solutions to local, county/parish and state governments, as well as public finance authorities and industrial development boards in connection with their municipal bond financings. Hancock's services include all aspects of trust administration from investing program assets to processing interest and principal payments to bondholders.

     Hancock Holding Company - parent company of Hancock Bank (Mississippi), Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida, and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $6.26 billion at March 31, 2006. Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank stands among the strongest, safest five-star financial institutions in America. Hancock Bank operates 100 Hancock full-service offices and 120 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, and Harrison Finance Company. Investors can access additional corporate information or online banking and bill pay services online.

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