UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549


FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


December 16, 2004


Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported)


THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY


(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Mississippi
1-13253
64-0676974
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     


209 Troy Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38802-0709


(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)


Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code: (662) 680-1001




(Former Name or Former Address, if changed since last report)


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[X] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[   ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[   ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))




ITEM 7.01 REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.

On December 16, 2004, the Boards of Directors of The Peoples Holding Company and The Peoples Bank & Trust Company issued a press release announcing the unification of operations of The Peoples Bank & Trust Company under one name, Renasant Bank. The change is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to become effective February 1, 2005. The press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

(c)   The following exhibit is filed herewith:
   
99.1 Press Release, dated December 16, 2004, issued by The Peoples Holding Company.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

     
  THE PEOPLES HOLDING COMPANY
 
  Registrant  
     
     
DATE: December 17, 2004 /s/ E. Robinson McGraw
 
  E. Robinson McGraw
  President & Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER
DESCRIPTION
99.1      Press Release, dated December 16, 2004, issued by The Peoples Holding Company.