SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
January 20, 2004
HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Mississippi 0-13089 64-0169065
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(State or other (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Number) Identification Number)
incorporation)
One Hancock Plaza, 2510 14th Street,
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(228) 868-4000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
As of January 20, 2004, the Board of Directors has appointed KPMG LLP, a firm of independent
certified public accountants, as auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004, and until their successors are
selected. The Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the
decision to change auditors.
The Company has been advised that neither the firm nor any of its
partners has any direct or any material indirect financial interest in the
securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except as auditors and
consultants on accounting procedures and tax matters. Additionally, during the
two fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, there were no consultations
between the Company and KPMG LLP regarding application of an accounting
principle, the type of audit opinion that might be issued on the Company's
financial statements, or on any other matter.
Although not required to do so, the Board of Directors has chosen to
submit its appointment of KPMG LLP
for ratification by the Company's shareholders. This matter is being
submitted to the Company's shareholders
for ratification during the Company's annual meeting to be held on February 26,
2004 as more fully described
in the Company's proxy statement to be filed with the Commission.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: January 26, 2004
HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Paul D. Guichet
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Paul D. Guichet
Vice President
Investor Relations
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