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)
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure. On November 4, 2004 Hancock Holding Company announced by press release the
completion of the acquisition of 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 November 4, 2004 Hancock Holding Company announced by press release the completion of
the acquisition of 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 November 4, 2004, headed "Hancock Bank
completes Ross-King-Walker acquisition"
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: November 5, 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
November 4, 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 completes Ross-King-Walker acquisition
GULFPORT, MS (November 4, 2004) - One of Mississippi's oldest property and casualty insurance leaders has
officially joined the century-old insurance subsidiary of one of America's strongest, safest financial
institutions and the largest financial services company headquartered in South Mississippi.
Earlier today, officials representing Hancock Bank and Hattiesburg based Ross-King-Walker, Inc. (RKW),
signed the proverbial dotted lines in an all-cash transaction finalizing Hancock's acquisition of RKW as a
division of Hancock Insurance Agency. The post-merger entity will retain the trade name of Ross-King-Walker.
Established in 1902, Hancock Insurance Agency - an Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA)
"Best Practices" agency - is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hancock Bank. With current revenues of $1.8 million
and 21 employees at offices in Hattiesburg, Pascagoula, Meridian, and Columbia, MS, RKW has provided quality
protection for thousands of Gulf South families and businesses since 1901.
"Both Ross-King-Walker and Hancock Insurance Agency represent some of the nation's most well-respected
carriers. We believe this mutually beneficial partnership will significantly enhance the spectrum of tailored
insurance options we can offer Hancock's retail and commercial customers and will provide RKW customers entrée to
Hancock Bank's comprehensive lines of financial services choices," said Camors C. "Chris" Roth, CPCU, corporate
head of Hancock Insurance Agency.
Roth and RKW President Charles Leggett, Jr., said they expect to maintain existing agency teams and
operational structure to nurture existing business relationships and cultivate new growth opportunities.
"This venture is a logical progression toward bringing stronger insurance resources to Hancock Bank's
consumer and commercial customers through RKW's professional expertise and roster of well-established providers.
We can also introduce RKW customers to Hancock's full array of financial solutions and the company's 105-year-old
legacy of strength, stability, integrity, and service," said Leggett.
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.
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