
Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ:HWC) (&#34;Hancock Whitney&#34;), parent company of Hancock Whitney Bank, and OFB Bancshares, Inc., parent company of One Florida Bank, announced today that they have entered into a

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockwhitney.com%2F&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Hancock+Whitney+Corporation&amp;index=1&amp;md5=ac0370688b7ffc0d4feec1176b02a67b" shape="rect">Hancock Whitney Corporation</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWC">HWC</a>) ("Hancock Whitney"), parent company of Hancock Whitney Bank, and OFB Bancshares, Inc., parent company of One Florida Bank, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Hancock Whitney will acquire OFB Bancshares, Inc., in an all-cash transaction.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"This transaction represents a significant step in our long-term growth strategy, expanding our footprint into one of the most dynamic and high-growth markets in the country," said John M. Hairston, President and CEO of Hancock Whitney. "Orlando offers attractive demographics, strong economic fundamentals, and meaningful opportunities to deepen client relationships. By combining our scale, capital strength, and product capabilities with the local expertise of this talented team, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced value to our clients, associates, and shareholders alike."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One Florida Bank operates five financial centers in the greater Orlando, Florida, area and one in the Florida Panhandle. As of March 31, 2026, OFB Bancshares, Inc., on a consolidated basis, reported total assets of $2.1 billion, total loans of $1.7 billion, and total deposits of $1.9 billion. This acquisition will enhance Hancock Whitney Bank's existing financial center footprint by establishing meaningful market presence in the Orlando area.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Rick Pullum, President and CEO of One Florida Bank, commented, "We are proud of the franchise we've built in the Orlando market, grounded in strong client relationships and community engagement. Partnering with Hancock Whitney allows us to accelerate that momentum while gaining access to broader resources, expanded capabilities, and a larger platform for growth."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to be immediately accretive to GAAP EPS excluding one-time costs and meets or exceeds Hancock Whitney's minimum thresholds for Internal Rate of Return and Return on Invested Capital.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions including receipt of regulatory and OFB Bancshares, Inc., shareholder approval. Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc., is serving as financial advisor to Hancock Whitney and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &amp; Katz is serving as legal advisor. Piper Sandler &amp; Co. is serving as financial advisor to OFB Bancshares, Inc., and Smith Mackinnon, PA, is serving as legal advisor.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
There is no conference call scheduled. A slide presentation related to the proposed transaction is included in Hancock Whitney's 8-K filing and is also posted under the "Events &amp; Presentations" section of the Investor Relations website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.hancockwhitney.com%2Foverview%2Fdefault.aspx&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=investors.hancockwhitney.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=d92f8b8912ad128460452a9c891ea55a" shape="rect">investors.hancockwhitney.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Hancock Whitney</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor &amp; Integrity, Strength &amp; Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockwhitney.com&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.hancockwhitney.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=afd6500dd0963a8879eba0cae258ca0a" shape="rect">www.hancockwhitney.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About One Florida Bank</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One Florida Bank was founded on a simple promise: local decision making and relationship-driven banking. From the beginning, the company has focused on building trusted partnerships grounded in deep community knowledge, responsiveness, and long-term thinking. One Florida Bank provides personalized service that delivers value, convenience, and genuine care through experienced bankers and modern technology platforms. One Florida Bank serves clients through six banking offices in Orlando, Winter Park, Longwood, Oviedo, Apopka, and Chipley, Florida, by offering a full suite of financial products including commercial, residential mortgage, and installment loans and checking, treasury management, savings, and term deposit accounts. More information is available at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onefloridabank.com.&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.onefloridabank.com.&amp;index=4&amp;md5=15a84599747d876d378cdddb92b4bc54" shape="rect">www.onefloridabank.com.</a>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Important Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statement that does not describe historical or current facts is a forward-looking statement. These statements often include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "goals," "targets," "initiatives," "focus," "potentially," "probably," "projects," "outlook,&#34; or similar expressions or future conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would," and "could." Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and on information currently available to management. Our statements speak as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update these statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements in light of new information or future events.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such statements. Statements about the proposed acquisition, including future financial and operating results, may differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking statements, including as a result of changes in the level of business contracts to be acquired, the ability to retain customers and employees following closing, receipt of certain third party or regulatory approvals and the ability to realize expected cost savings or other synergies from the acquisition. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Part I, &#34;Item 1A. Risk Factors&#34; in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and in other periodic reports that we file with the SEC.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260515375369r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260515375369/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260515375369/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For more information 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Ashleigh Flower Wilshire, SVP, Head of Investor Relations
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>504.299.5076 or <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:ashleigh.wilshire@hancockwhitney.com" shape="rect">ashleigh.wilshire@hancockwhitney.com</a>

</p>

Hancock Whitney to Acquire One Florida Bank

Hancock Whitney's Acquisition of OFB Bancshares to Strengthen Market Position

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ:HWC) (&amp;#34;Hancock Whitney&amp;#34;), parent company of Hancock Whitney Bank, and OFB Bancshares, Inc., parent company of One Florida Bank, announced today that they have entered into a</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Hancock Whitney Corporation has announced an all-cash acquisition of OFB Bancshares, enhancing its presence in the growing Orlando market. Expected to close in Q3 2026, the deal aims to drive immediate earnings accretion and supports HWC&#039;s long-term growth strategy.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Hancock Whitney is acquiring OFB Bancshares in an all-cash deal.</li><li>The acquisition expands HWC&#039;s footprint into the Orlando market.</li><li>OFB has $2.1 billion in assets and establishes HWC&#039;s presence in Florida.</li><li>Transaction expected to close in Q3 2026 and boost GAAP EPS.</li><li>Effective market capture could enhance HWC&#039;s long-term growth strategy.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Hancock Whitney Corporation (HWC)</strong>: Positioned to capitalize on Florida&#039;s growth through this strategic acquisition.</li><li><strong>OFB Bancshares, Inc. (N/A)</strong>: Enables HWC to expand its client base and service offerings in Florida.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This acquisition falls under corporate developments, impacting HWC&#039;s strategic growth initiatives. Expanding into high-growth regions is essential for enhancing HWC’s market competitiveness.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Acquisition expected to enhance shareholder value immediately.</li><li>HWC&#039;s market footprint in Florida will significantly increase.</li><li>Closing of the deal is dependent on regulatory approvals.</li><li>Successful integration could lead to improved client relationships.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>HWC acquires OFB Bancshares for an undisclosed cash amount.</li><li>OFB has total assets of $2.1 billion and total loans of $1.7 billion.</li><li>Transaction projected to close in Q3 2026.</li><li>HWC believes the acquisition meets its IRR and ROIC thresholds.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Consider HWC as a buy due to potential short-term EPS growth post-acquisition.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockwhitney.com%2F&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Hancock+Whitney+Corporation&amp;index=1&amp;md5=ac0370688b7ffc0d4feec1176b02a67b" shape="rect">Hancock Whitney Corporation</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HWC">HWC</a>) ("Hancock Whitney"), parent company of Hancock Whitney Bank, and OFB Bancshares, Inc., parent company of One Florida Bank, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Hancock Whitney will acquire OFB Bancshares, Inc., in an all-cash transaction.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"This transaction represents a significant step in our long-term growth strategy, expanding our footprint into one of the most dynamic and high-growth markets in the country," said John M. Hairston, President and CEO of Hancock Whitney. "Orlando offers attractive demographics, strong economic fundamentals, and meaningful opportunities to deepen client relationships. By combining our scale, capital strength, and product capabilities with the local expertise of this talented team, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced value to our clients, associates, and shareholders alike."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One Florida Bank operates five financial centers in the greater Orlando, Florida, area and one in the Florida Panhandle. As of March 31, 2026, OFB Bancshares, Inc., on a consolidated basis, reported total assets of $2.1 billion, total loans of $1.7 billion, and total deposits of $1.9 billion. This acquisition will enhance Hancock Whitney Bank's existing financial center footprint by establishing meaningful market presence in the Orlando area.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Rick Pullum, President and CEO of One Florida Bank, commented, "We are proud of the franchise we've built in the Orlando market, grounded in strong client relationships and community engagement. Partnering with Hancock Whitney allows us to accelerate that momentum while gaining access to broader resources, expanded capabilities, and a larger platform for growth."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to be immediately accretive to GAAP EPS excluding one-time costs and meets or exceeds Hancock Whitney's minimum thresholds for Internal Rate of Return and Return on Invested Capital.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions including receipt of regulatory and OFB Bancshares, Inc., shareholder approval. Raymond James &amp; Associates, Inc., is serving as financial advisor to Hancock Whitney and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &amp; Katz is serving as legal advisor. Piper Sandler &amp; Co. is serving as financial advisor to OFB Bancshares, Inc., and Smith Mackinnon, PA, is serving as legal advisor.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
There is no conference call scheduled. A slide presentation related to the proposed transaction is included in Hancock Whitney's 8-K filing and is also posted under the "Events &amp; Presentations" section of the Investor Relations website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.hancockwhitney.com%2Foverview%2Fdefault.aspx&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=investors.hancockwhitney.com&amp;index=2&amp;md5=d92f8b8912ad128460452a9c891ea55a" shape="rect">investors.hancockwhitney.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Hancock Whitney</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor &amp; Integrity, Strength &amp; Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hancockwhitney.com&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.hancockwhitney.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=afd6500dd0963a8879eba0cae258ca0a" shape="rect">www.hancockwhitney.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About One Florida Bank</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
One Florida Bank was founded on a simple promise: local decision making and relationship-driven banking. From the beginning, the company has focused on building trusted partnerships grounded in deep community knowledge, responsiveness, and long-term thinking. One Florida Bank provides personalized service that delivers value, convenience, and genuine care through experienced bankers and modern technology platforms. One Florida Bank serves clients through six banking offices in Orlando, Winter Park, Longwood, Oviedo, Apopka, and Chipley, Florida, by offering a full suite of financial products including commercial, residential mortgage, and installment loans and checking, treasury management, savings, and term deposit accounts. More information is available at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onefloridabank.com.&amp;esheet=54536631&amp;newsitemid=20260515375369&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.onefloridabank.com.&amp;index=4&amp;md5=15a84599747d876d378cdddb92b4bc54" shape="rect">www.onefloridabank.com.</a>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Important Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statement that does not describe historical or current facts is a forward-looking statement. These statements often include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "goals," "targets," "initiatives," "focus," "potentially," "probably," "projects," "outlook,&#34; or similar expressions or future conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would," and "could." Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of management and on information currently available to management. Our statements speak as of the date hereof, and we do not assume any obligation to update these statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements in light of new information or future events.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such statements. Statements about the proposed acquisition, including future financial and operating results, may differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking statements, including as a result of changes in the level of business contracts to be acquired, the ability to retain customers and employees following closing, receipt of certain third party or regulatory approvals and the ability to realize expected cost savings or other synergies from the acquisition. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in Part I, &#34;Item 1A. Risk Factors&#34; in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and in other periodic reports that we file with the SEC.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260515375369r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260515375369/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260515375369/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For more information 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Ashleigh Flower Wilshire, SVP, Head of Investor Relations
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>504.299.5076 or <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:ashleigh.wilshire@hancockwhitney.com" shape="rect">ashleigh.wilshire@hancockwhitney.com</a>

</p>

Hancock Whitney Corporation has announced an all-cash acquisition of OFB Bancshares, enhancing its presence in the growing Orlando market. Expected to close in Q3 2026, the deal aims to drive immediate earnings accretion and supports HWC's long-term growth strategy.

Hancock Whitney to Acquire One Florida Bank

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

Related News