Item 8.01. Other Events. On October 19, 2009, Hancock Holding Company issued a
press release announcing that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of approximately $150 million of its Common Stock. The underwriters will be granted an option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares sold to cover over-allotments, if any. The offering will be made pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed as part of an effective shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form S-3. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

(c) Exhibits.

99.1 Press Release issued by Hancock Holding Company dated October 19, 2009, headed "Hancock Holding Company announces public offering of common stock."

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