Mississippi 0-13089 64-0169065
- ------------------------- -------------------- -----------------------------
(State or other (Commission File (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of Number) Identification Number)
incorporation)
One Hancock Plaza, 2510 14th Street,
Gulfport, Mississippi 39501
------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(228) 868-4000
------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure. On October 11, 2004 Hancock Holding Company announced by press release the
negotiation of an agreement which will allow Hancock Holding Company to acquire Ross-King-Walker as a division of
Hancock Insurance Agency. A copy of this press release is attached as Ex. 99.1.
Item 8.01. Other Events. On October 11, 2004 Hancock Holding Company announced by press release the negotiation of
an agreement which will allow Hancock Holding Company to acquire Ross-King-Walker as a division of Hancock Insurance Agency.
A copy of this press release is attached as Ex. 99.1.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release issued by Hancock Holding Company
dated October 11, 2004, headed "Hancock Holding
to acquire Ross-King-Walker, Inc."
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: October 11, 2004
HANCOCK HOLDING COMPANY
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Paul D. Guichet
--------------------------------
Paul D. Guichet
Vice President
Investor Relations
Exhibit 99.1 to Hancock Holding Company Form 8-K
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2004
For More Information
Carl J. Chaney, EVP & Chief Financial Officer, Hancock Bank
228.868.4727 or 1.800.522.6542
Paul D. Guichet, VP, Investor Relations, Hancock Bank
228.214.5242 or 1.800.522.6542
Charles Leggett, Jr., President, Ross-King-Walker, Inc.
601.544.3300 or 1.800.844.7594
Hancock Bank to acquire Ross-King-Walker, Inc.
GULFPORT, MS (October 11, 2004) - Executives at 105-year-old Hancock Bank and at Ross-King-Walker, Inc,
(RKW) - a well-known Hattiesburg based property and casualty insurance leader - announced jointly today an
agreement which will allow Hancock to acquire RKW as a division of Hancock Insurance Agency.
Established in 1902, Hancock Insurance Agency is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hancock Bank, one of America's
strongest, safest financial institutions and the largest financial services company headquartered in South
Mississippi. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) recently named Hancock Insurance
Agency a "Best Practices" agency. RKW, with current revenues of $1.75 million and 23 employees at offices in
Hattiesburg, Pascagoula, Meridian, and Columbia, MS, has provided quality protection for thousands of Gulf South
families and businesses since 1901.
"Ross-King-Walker, Inc., is a well-established, highly regarded Mississippi firm representing some of the
nation's most successful carriers. We expect this partnership will enhance the insurance opportunities available
to customers through Hancock Insurance Agency and will facilitate RKW clients' access to Hancock's comprehensive
array of commercial and consumer financial services," said Hancock Bank President and Chief Executive Officer
George A. Schloegel.
According to the anticipated terms of the agreement, Hancock will acquire RKW in an all-cash transaction.
The post-purchase entity will retain the RKW name and become an affiliate of Hancock Insurance Agency.
Additionally, RKW plans to maintain its existing agency team and operational structure. Hancock and RKW
officials said both organizations expect the transaction to close and become effective early in the fourth
quarter of 2004.
"Hancock Bank has always been a community partner and financial services leader in the Gulf South, and we
have shared a common commitment to integrity and service for over a century. We at Ross-King-Walker are very
pleased with the opportunity to join Hancock Insurance Agency and believe our professional expertise and
selection of providers will complement Hancock's suites of quality products and services. Our current and future
customers will benefit from our ability to serve them through the strengths of our combined organizations." said
RKW President Charles Leggett, Jr.
Founded in 1899, Hancock Bank operates 103 full-service offices and more than 130 automated teller
machines throughout South Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Florida Panhandle. Other bank subsidiaries include
Hancock Investment Services, Inc., Hancock Mortgage Corporation, Magna Insurance Company, and Harrison Finance
Company. Hancock Holding Company (NASDAQ: HBHC) - the parent company of Hancock Bank Mississippi, Hancock Bank
of Louisiana, and Hancock Bank of Florida - has assets of $4.6 billion.
Additional information about RKW is available at www.rosskingwalker.com. Readers can access Hancock Bank
corporate profiles as well as online banking and bill pay services at www.hancockbank.com.
- 30 -