Hancock Announces Hurricane Assistance Programs and Updates Branch Openings.

Bank will waive certain fees and charges to assist customers

BATON ROUGE, La., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hancock Holding Company CEO and Vice-Chairman George A. Schloegel today announced a broad- based program of special disaster relief for customers in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Measures include reductions and waivers of various fees as well as rebate offers to assist customers in ravaged areas.

"Hancock Bank has a 106-year tradition of standing by our customers and the communities in which they live and work in good times and bad times," Schloegel said. "To support our friends in this time of need, we are announcing a program of assistance that will help our customers get back on their feet as soon as possible. This program will provide individuals and businesses with immediate relief so that we can all begin the difficult task of re-building our lives and businesses."

Hancock's Disaster Relief Program

Hancock's disaster relief program focuses on waiving certain deposit- related fees and terms as well as special services for loan customers. Highlights of the program include:

    - Waive and/or rebate charges for customers using other banks' ATMs in      areas affected by Hurricane Katrina    - Waive and/or rebate fees for domestic wire transfers transmitted from      Monday, August 29, through Friday September 9, 2005    - Waive Internet Bill Pay fees until further notice    - Affected customers who need to reorder checks should call      1-800-355-8123 (reference code L3)    - Hancock Bank will work with customers who have special needs related to      certificate of deposits that have not yet matured and customers who are      overdrawn due to circumstances created by Hurricane Katrina   

In addition, Hancock will work with our mortgage customers in areas affected by the Hurricane to minimize or prevent delinquencies, based on investor guidelines. Hancock will also work closely with our consumer and commercial customers in affected areas to determine if they qualify for payment and/or maturity date extensions.

Hancock is also offering special "Together We Rebuild" discounted rates on new direct consumer installment loans.

Branch Openings and Bank Operations

Hancock reported today that 76 full-service banking facilities were open for business, including 29 branches in Mississippi, 42 branches in Louisiana, and all five of the Company's branches in Florida. Hancock operates 103 full- service banking facilities throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida.

Hancock Holding Company President Leo W. Seal stated, "Hancock was able to open several branches the morning after the Hurricane due to the successful implementation of our disaster recovery plan and through the efforts of our dedicated associates."

About Hancock Holding Company

Hancock Holding Company is the parent company of Hancock Bank, Hancock Bank of Louisiana, Hancock Bank of Florida and Magna Insurance Company - has assets of $4.7 billion. Found in 1899, Hancock Bank consistently ranks among America's strongest, safest, financial institutions. Hancock Bank operates 103 full-service offices and more than 130 automated teller machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle, as well as subsidiaries Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Insurance Agency, Ross King Walker, J. Everett Eaves and Harrison Finance Company.

CONTACT: Michael M. Achary, Sr. VP & Treasurer, +1-225-248-7124, or cell, +1-985-789-0033, or Robert A. "Bob" Seals, Sr. VP & Marketing Director, +1-225-667-7085, or cell, +1-225-235-6147, both of Hancock Holding Company

Web site: http://hancockbank.com/