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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 14, 2002</FONT>

<P align="right"><FONT size="2">REGISTRATION NO. 333-________</FONT>

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<P align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
WASHINGTON, DC 20549<BR>
______________</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>FORM S-8</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE<BR>
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933<BR>
______________</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>BANCORPSOUTH, INC.</B></FONT><BR>
<FONT size="2">(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</FONT>

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        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Mississippi</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>64-0659571</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(State or Other Jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(IRS Employer</FONT></TD>
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        <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>One Mississippi Plaza<BR>
201 South Spring Street<BR>
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)<BR>
<B>______________</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated</B><BR>
(Full Title of the Plan)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>______________</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Aubrey B. Patterson<BR>
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
BancorpSouth, Inc.<BR>
One Mississippi Plaza<BR>
201 South Spring Street<BR>
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804</B><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>(662)&nbsp;680-2000</B><BR>
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">Copies of All Communications to:<BR>
<B>Howard W. Herndon, Esq.<BR>
Waller Lansden Dortch &#038; Davis,<BR>
A Professional Limited Liability Company<BR>
511 Union Street, Suite&nbsp;2100<BR>
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-1760<BR>
(615)&nbsp;244-6380</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>______________</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></FONT>

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        <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
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        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title Of Each Class</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Of Securities To Be</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount To Be</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Maximum Offering Price</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Maximum Aggregate</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Per Unit (1)(2)</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Offering Price (2)</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock of
BancorpSouth, Inc.,
par value $2.50 per
share</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">4,000,000</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">21.395</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">85,580,000</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">7,873.36</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">The BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated
as of January&nbsp;23, 2002, authorizes the issuance of a maximum of 6,916,000
shares, of which 916,000 shares were registered pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration No.&nbsp;33-60699) and 2,000,000 shares
were registered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8
(Registration No.&nbsp;333-84395), for each of which the registration fee was
previously paid in full.</FONT></TD>
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      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Estimated pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(c) solely for purposes of calculating the
amount of the registration fee, based upon the average of the high and low
prices reported on May&nbsp;13, 2002, as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange.</FONT></TD>
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<P align="left"><FONT size="2">REOFFER PROSPECTUS</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>6,916,000 Shares</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B><I>BancorpSouth</I></B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Common Stock</B></FONT>

<P>
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<P>


<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus has been prepared for use by employees or executive
officers of BancorpSouth, Inc. or its subsidiaries or by former executive
officers of companies acquired by us or our subsidiaries, in connection with
the resale of up to an aggregate of 6,916,000 shares of our common stock, which
have been or may be issued under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended and restated. This plan was amended as of January&nbsp;23, 2002.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus may only be used if a supplement is attached which
contains the names of the selling shareholders and the amount of shares of our
common stock to be reoffered by them.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares by the
selling shareholders. We will bear all expenses incurred in connection with the
registration of the shares being offered by the selling shareholders, except
that the selling shareholders shall be responsible for all underwriting
discounts and selling commissions, fees and expenses of counsel and other
advisors to the selling shareholders, transfer taxes and related charges in
connection with the offer and sale of these shares.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
&#147;BXS.&#148;
</FONT>
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<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commissioner has approved or disapproved of the shares of our common stock to
be issued under this prospectus or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.</B>
</FONT>
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<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Shares of our common stock are not savings or deposit accounts and are not
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental
agency.</B>
</FONT>
<P>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">The date of this prospectus is May&nbsp;14, 2002.</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
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<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">THE COMPANY</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">SELLING SHAREHOLDERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#004">AVAILABLE INFORMATION</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#005">INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#006">LEGAL MATTERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#007">EXPERTS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g76219ex5-1.txt">OPINION OF RILEY, FORD, CALDWELL & CORK, P.A.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g76219ex23-1.txt">CONSENT OF KPMG LLP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="g76219ex99-2.txt">AMENDMENT NO.1 / 1994 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN</A></TD></TR>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></FONT>

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        <TD nowrap align="left"><FONT size="1"><B>Heading</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
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        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">The Company</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">3</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Use of Proceeds</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">3</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Selling Shareholders</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">3</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Plan of Distribution</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">4</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Available Information</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">4</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom" bgcolor="#eeeeee">
        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Legal Matters</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
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        <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Experts</FONT></DIV></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2">2</FONT>
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<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>THE COMPANY</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BancorpSouth, Inc. is a Mississippi corporation and a bank holding company
with commercial banking and financial services operations in Mississippi,
Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Our principal subsidiary is
BancorpSouth Bank. We conduct a general commercial banking and trust business
through BancorpSouth Bank, which has its principal office in Tupelo, Lee
County, Mississippi, and operates offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama,
Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. BancorpSouth Bank has grown through the
acquisition of other banks, the purchase of assets from federal regulators and
through the opening of new branches and offices.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans. Loan
originations are derived from a number of sources including real estate broker
referrals, mortgage loan companies, direct solicitation by its loan officers,
existing savers and borrowers, builders, attorneys, walk-in customers and, in
some instances, other lenders. We have established disciplined and systematic
procedures for approving and monitoring loans that vary depending on the size
and nature of the loan.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We offer a variety of services through the trust department of
BancorpSouth Bank, including personal trust and estate services, certain
employee benefit accounts and plans, including individual retirement accounts,
and limited corporate trust functions.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We provide, through our subsidiaries, a range of financial services to
individuals and small-to-medium size businesses. BancorpSouth Bank operates
investment services, consumer finance, credit life insurance and insurance
agency subsidiaries which engage in investment brokerage services, consumer
lending, credit life insurance sales and sales of other insurance products.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our principal office is located at One Mississippi Plaza, 201 South Spring
Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 and our telephone number is (662)&nbsp;680-2000.
</FONT>
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<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>USE OF PROCEEDS</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of BancorpSouth
common stock by the selling shareholders.
</FONT>
<!-- link1 "SELLING SHAREHOLDERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SELLING SHAREHOLDERS</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of options
granted under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated, have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by registration
statements on Form&nbsp;S-8. This prospectus is to be used in connection with any
resales of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of such options after
the exercise date by persons who may be considered our &#147;affiliates&#148; within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the date of this prospectus, we do not know the names of persons who
intend to resell shares of our common stock under this plan. The selling
shareholders will be either employees or executive officers of us or our
subsidiaries or former executive officers of companies acquired by us or our
subsidiaries who have been, or may be, granted shares of our common stock under
this plan during the period in which they serve. Each of these persons may be
considered our &#147;affiliate&#148; within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. We
will supplement the prospectus with the names of the selling shareholders and
the number of shares of our common stock to be reoffered by them as that
information becomes known.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">3</FONT>
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<!-- link1 "PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shares may be offered by the selling shareholders from time to time in
transactions through the New York Stock Exchange, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the shares or a combination of these methods
of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
The selling shareholders may effect these transactions by selling the shares to
or through broker-dealers and these broker-dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling shareholders
and/or the purchaser of the shares for which such broker-dealers may act as
agent or to whom they sell as principal, or both. This compensation as to a
particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is no assurance that any of the selling shareholders will sell any
or all of the shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have agreed to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the
registration of the shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus,
except that the selling shareholders shall be responsible for all underwriting
discounts and selling commissions, fees and expenses of counsel and other
advisors to the selling shareholders, transfer taxes and related charges in
connection with the offer and sale of these shares.
</FONT>
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<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>AVAILABLE INFORMATION</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 a registration
statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, including any amendments, that registers the
distribution of the shares of our common stock to be issued to the selling
shareholders under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
and restated. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and
schedules, contains additional relevant information about us, this plan and our
common stock. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit certain
information included in the registration statement from this prospectus.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this
information at the following locations of the SEC:
</FONT>
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        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="34%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Public Reference Room</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
New York Regional Office
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chicago Regional Office</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">450 Fifth Street, N.W</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Woolworth Center
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Citicorp Center</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Room&nbsp;1024</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
233 Broadway
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">500 West Madison Street</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
New York, New York 10279
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Suite&nbsp;1400</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room&nbsp;1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The SEC also maintains an Internet world wide web site that contains
reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, which
file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about
us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">4</FONT>
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<!-- link1 "INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The SEC allows us to &#147;incorporate by reference&#148; information into this
prospectus from documents that we have previously filed with the SEC. This
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. These documents contain
important information about us and our financial condition. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, except
for any information that is superseded by other information that is set forth
directly in this document.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents with
respect to us (file number: 1-12991):
</FONT>
<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">1.</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">Our annual report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">2.</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">The description of our common stock contained in our
registration statement on Form&nbsp;8-A dated May&nbsp;14, 1997;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">3.</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">The description of our common stock purchase rights contained
in our registration statements on Form&nbsp;8-A dated May&nbsp;14, 1997 and
March&nbsp;28, 2001; and</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">4.</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="93%"><FONT size="2">Our current reports on Form&nbsp;8-K dated April&nbsp;23, 2002 and May&nbsp;2, 2002.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We incorporate by reference additional documents that we will file with
the SEC pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus and the termination
date of this plan. These documents include periodic reports, such as annual
reports on Form&nbsp;10-K, quarterly reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q and current reports on
Form&nbsp;8-K, as well as proxy statements.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You can obtain copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus with respect to us without charge, excluding any exhibits to those
documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an
exhibit in this prospectus, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from
us at the following:
</FONT>
<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
        <TD width="40%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="60%"><FONT size="2">BancorpSouth, Inc.<BR>
One Mississippi Plaza<BR>
201 South Spring Street<BR>
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804<BR>
(662)&nbsp;680-2000<BR>
Attention: Corporate Secretary</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also obtain copies of these documents from the SEC through the
SEC&#146;s Internet world wide web site or at the SEC&#146;s address described in the
section captioned &#147;AVAILABLE INFORMATION&#148; above.
</FONT>
<!-- link1 "LEGAL MATTERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>LEGAL MATTERS</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus
will be passed upon on our behalf by Riley, Ford, Caldwell &#038; Cork, P.A.,
Tupelo, Mississippi.
</FONT>
<!-- link1 "EXPERTS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXPERTS</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The consolidated financial statements of BancorpSouth, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December&nbsp;31, 2001 and 2000 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December&nbsp;31, 2001,
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">5</FONT>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P><FONT size="2">have been incorporated
by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent
accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
</FONT>
<P>
<HR width="26%" align="center" size="1" noshade>
<P>


<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information that is different from the information in this document. This
prospectus is dated May&nbsp;14, 2002. You should not assume that the information
contained in this document is accurate as of any date other than that date.
Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor the issuance of options to receive
our common stock under this plan shall create any implication to the contrary.</B>
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">6</FONT>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXPLANATORY NOTE</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The purpose of this registration statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 is to register an
additional 4,000,000 shares of our common stock which will be issued upon
exercise of the underlying options awarded under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994
Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. A total of 6,916,000 shares of
our common stock will be registered under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, upon the effectiveness of this
registration statement. Registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration Nos.
033-60699 and 333-84395), dated June&nbsp;29, 1995 and August&nbsp;3, 1999, respectively,
registered the initial 2,916,000 shares, as adjusted for two two-for-one stock
splits effected in the form of a stock dividend on November&nbsp;20, 1995 and May
15, 1998, of our common stock issued or to be issued under the BancorpSouth,
Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART I<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form&nbsp;S-8
(plan information and registrant information) will be sent or given to
participants of the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
and restated, as specified by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933.
Such documents need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
either as part of this registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424 under the Securities Act of 1933. These
documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration
statement pursuant to Item&nbsp;3 of Part II of this registration statement, taken
together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section&nbsp;10(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">I-1</FONT>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>PART II<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form&nbsp;S-8, the Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference in this registration statement the contents of the
Registrant&#146;s earlier registration statements on Form&nbsp;S-8 (Registration Nos.
033-60699 and 333-84395) filed on June&nbsp;29, 1995 and August&nbsp;3, 1999,
respectively.
</FONT>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B></FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="87%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description of Exhibits</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Riley, Ford, Caldwell &#038; Cork, P.A.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of KPMG LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Riley, Ford, Caldwell &#038; Cork, P.A. (included in opinion filed
as Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on page II-2)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated (1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as
Amended and Restated</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant&#146;s quarterly report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for
the three months ended March&nbsp;31, 1998 (file number 0-10826), and
incorporated by reference in this registration statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-1</FONT>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Tupelo, State of Mississippi, on May&nbsp;14, 2002.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="39%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD colspan="3" align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">BANCORPSOUTH, INC.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By:
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Aubrey B. Patterson<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Aubrey B. Patterson<BR>
Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B></FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Aubrey B. Patterson and L. Nash Allen, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, as agent and with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacity, to sign any or all amendments to this
Registration Statement and any registration statement related to the same
offering as this Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule&nbsp;462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agents in full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully
and to all intents and purposes as they might or be in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and their substitute
or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
</FONT>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>SIGNATURE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>TITLE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>DATE</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD>&nbsp;<BR></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Aubrey B. Patterson<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Aubrey B. Patterson</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive<BR>
Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ L. Nash Allen, Jr.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
L. Nash Allen, Jr.</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Shed H. Davis<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Shed H. Davis</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Hassell H. Franklin<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Hassell H. Franklin</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-2</FONT>
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<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>SIGNATURE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>TITLE</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>DATE</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD>&nbsp;<BR></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ W.G. Holliman, Jr.<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
W.G. Holliman, Jr.</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ James V. Kelley<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
James V. Kelley</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Larry G. Kirk<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Larry G. Kirk</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Turner O. Lashlee<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Turner O. Lashlee</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ R. Madison Murphy<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
R. Madison Murphy</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Robert C. Nolan<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Robert C. Nolan</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
W. Cal Partee, Jr.</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Alan W. Perry<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Alan W. Perry</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Travis E. Staub<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Travis E. Staub</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">May 14, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-3</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS</B></FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="90%">
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
        <TD width="87%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Number</B></FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description of Exhibits</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Riley, Ford, Caldwell &#038; Cork, P.A.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of KPMG LLP</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Riley, Ford, Caldwell &#038; Cork, P.A. (included in opinion filed
as Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Power of Attorney (included on page II-2)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD><TR><TD>
<TR valign="bottom">
        <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.2</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as
Amended and Restated</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">II-4</FONT>




</BODY>
</HTML>
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s-8
Table of Contents
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 14, 2002
REGISTRATION NO. 333-________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
______________
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
______________
BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Mississippi
64-0659571
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)
One Mississippi Plaza
201 South Spring Street
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
______________
BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated
(Full Title of the Plan)
______________
Aubrey B. Patterson
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
BancorpSouth, Inc.
One Mississippi Plaza
201 South Spring Street
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)
(662) 680-2000
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copies of All Communications to:
Howard W. Herndon, Esq.
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis,
A Professional Limited Liability Company
511 Union Street, Suite 2100
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-1760
(615) 244-6380
______________
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title Of Each Class
Proposed
Proposed
Amount of
Of Securities To Be
Amount To Be
Maximum Offering Price
Maximum Aggregate
Registration
Registered
Registered
Per Unit (1)(2)
Offering Price (2)
Fee
Common Stock of
BancorpSouth, Inc.,
par value $2.50 per
share
4,000,000
$
21.395
$
85,580,000
$
7,873.36
(1)
The BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated
as of January 23, 2002, authorizes the issuance of a maximum of 6,916,000
shares, of which 916,000 shares were registered pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 33-60699) and 2,000,000 shares
were registered pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8
(Registration No. 333-84395), for each of which the registration fee was
previously paid in full.
(2)
Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) solely for purposes of calculating the
amount of the registration fee, based upon the average of the high and low
prices reported on May 13, 2002, as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange.
Table of Contents
REOFFER PROSPECTUS
6,916,000 Shares
BancorpSouth
Common Stock
This prospectus has been prepared for use by employees or executive
officers of BancorpSouth, Inc. or its subsidiaries or by former executive
officers of companies acquired by us or our subsidiaries, in connection with
the resale of up to an aggregate of 6,916,000 shares of our common stock, which
have been or may be issued under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive
Plan, as amended and restated. This plan was amended as of January 23, 2002.
This prospectus may only be used if a supplement is attached which
contains the names of the selling shareholders and the amount of shares of our
common stock to be reoffered by them.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the shares by the
selling shareholders. We will bear all expenses incurred in connection with the
registration of the shares being offered by the selling shareholders, except
that the selling shareholders shall be responsible for all underwriting
discounts and selling commissions, fees and expenses of counsel and other
advisors to the selling shareholders, transfer taxes and related charges in
connection with the offer and sale of these shares.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"BXS."
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commissioner has approved or disapproved of the shares of our common stock to
be issued under this prospectus or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Shares of our common stock are not savings or deposit accounts and are not
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental
agency.
The date of this prospectus is May 14, 2002.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE COMPANY
USE OF PROCEEDS
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
OPINION OF RILEY, FORD, CALDWELL & CORK, P.A.
CONSENT OF KPMG LLP
AMENDMENT NO.1 / 1994 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Heading
Page
The Company
3
Use of Proceeds
3
Selling Shareholders
3
Plan of Distribution
4
Available Information
4
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference
5
Legal Matters
5
Experts
5
2
Table of Contents
THE COMPANY
BancorpSouth, Inc. is a Mississippi corporation and a bank holding company
with commercial banking and financial services operations in Mississippi,
Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. Our principal subsidiary is
BancorpSouth Bank. We conduct a general commercial banking and trust business
through BancorpSouth Bank, which has its principal office in Tupelo, Lee
County, Mississippi, and operates offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama,
Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. BancorpSouth Bank has grown through the
acquisition of other banks, the purchase of assets from federal regulators and
through the opening of new branches and offices.
Our lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans. Loan
originations are derived from a number of sources including real estate broker
referrals, mortgage loan companies, direct solicitation by its loan officers,
existing savers and borrowers, builders, attorneys, walk-in customers and, in
some instances, other lenders. We have established disciplined and systematic
procedures for approving and monitoring loans that vary depending on the size
and nature of the loan.
We offer a variety of services through the trust department of
BancorpSouth Bank, including personal trust and estate services, certain
employee benefit accounts and plans, including individual retirement accounts,
and limited corporate trust functions.
We provide, through our subsidiaries, a range of financial services to
individuals and small-to-medium size businesses. BancorpSouth Bank operates
investment services, consumer finance, credit life insurance and insurance
agency subsidiaries which engage in investment brokerage services, consumer
lending, credit life insurance sales and sales of other insurance products.
Our principal office is located at One Mississippi Plaza, 201 South Spring
Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804 and our telephone number is (662) 680-2000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of BancorpSouth
common stock by the selling shareholders.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The issuance of shares of our common stock upon exercise of options
granted under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated, have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 by registration
statements on Form S-8. This prospectus is to be used in connection with any
resales of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of such options after
the exercise date by persons who may be considered our "affiliates" within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
At the date of this prospectus, we do not know the names of persons who
intend to resell shares of our common stock under this plan. The selling
shareholders will be either employees or executive officers of us or our
subsidiaries or former executive officers of companies acquired by us or our
subsidiaries who have been, or may be, granted shares of our common stock under
this plan during the period in which they serve. Each of these persons may be
considered our "affiliate" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933. We
will supplement the prospectus with the names of the selling shareholders and
the number of shares of our common stock to be reoffered by them as that
information becomes known.
3
Table of Contents
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The shares may be offered by the selling shareholders from time to time in
transactions through the New York Stock Exchange, in negotiated transactions,
through the writing of options on the shares or a combination of these methods
of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
The selling shareholders may effect these transactions by selling the shares to
or through broker-dealers and these broker-dealers may receive compensation in
the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the selling shareholders
and/or the purchaser of the shares for which such broker-dealers may act as
agent or to whom they sell as principal, or both. This compensation as to a
particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions.
There is no assurance that any of the selling shareholders will sell any
or all of the shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus.
We have agreed to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the
registration of the shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus,
except that the selling shareholders shall be responsible for all underwriting
discounts and selling commissions, fees and expenses of counsel and other
advisors to the selling shareholders, transfer taxes and related charges in
connection with the offer and sale of these shares.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933 a registration
statement on Form S-8, including any amendments, that registers the
distribution of the shares of our common stock to be issued to the selling
shareholders under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
and restated. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and
schedules, contains additional relevant information about us, this plan and our
common stock. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit certain
information included in the registration statement from this prospectus.
In addition, we file reports, proxy statements and other information with
the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read and copy this
information at the following locations of the SEC:
Public Reference Room
New York Regional Office
Chicago Regional Office
450 Fifth Street, N.W
Woolworth Center
Citicorp Center
Room 1024
233 Broadway
500 West Madison Street
Washington, D.C. 20549
New York, New York 10279
Suite 1400
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511
You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the Public
Reference Section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington,
D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC also maintains an Internet world wide web site that contains
reports, proxy statements and other information about issuers, like us, which
file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov.
You can also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about
us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005.
4
Table of Contents
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this
prospectus from documents that we have previously filed with the SEC. This
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to
another document filed separately with the SEC. These documents contain
important information about us and our financial condition. The information
incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, except
for any information that is superseded by other information that is set forth
directly in this document.
This prospectus incorporates by reference the following documents with
respect to us (file number: 1-12991):
1.
Our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2001;
2.
The description of our common stock contained in our
registration statement on Form 8-A dated May 14, 1997;
3.
The description of our common stock purchase rights contained
in our registration statements on Form 8-A dated May 14, 1997 and
March 28, 2001; and
4.
Our current reports on Form 8-K dated April 23, 2002 and May 2, 2002.
We incorporate by reference additional documents that we will file with
the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus and the termination
date of this plan. These documents include periodic reports, such as annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on
Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.
You can obtain copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this
prospectus with respect to us without charge, excluding any exhibits to those
documents unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference as an
exhibit in this prospectus, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from
us at the following:
BancorpSouth, Inc.
One Mississippi Plaza
201 South Spring Street
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
(662) 680-2000
Attention: Corporate Secretary
You can also obtain copies of these documents from the SEC through the
SEC's Internet world wide web site or at the SEC's address described in the
section captioned "AVAILABLE INFORMATION" above.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus
will be passed upon on our behalf by Riley, Ford, Caldwell & Cork, P.A.,
Tupelo, Mississippi.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of BancorpSouth, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 2001,
5
Table of Contents
have been incorporated
by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent
accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with
information that is different from the information in this document. This
prospectus is dated May 14, 2002. You should not assume that the information
contained in this document is accurate as of any date other than that date.
Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor the issuance of options to receive
our common stock under this plan shall create any implication to the contrary.
6
Table of Contents
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of this registration statement on Form S-8 is to register an
additional 4,000,000 shares of our common stock which will be issued upon
exercise of the underlying options awarded under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994
Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. A total of 6,916,000 shares of
our common stock will be registered under the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, upon the effectiveness of this
registration statement. Registration statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos.
033-60699 and 333-84395), dated June 29, 1995 and August 3, 1999, respectively,
registered the initial 2,916,000 shares, as adjusted for two two-for-one stock
splits effected in the form of a stock dividend on November 20, 1995 and May
15, 1998, of our common stock issued or to be issued under the BancorpSouth,
Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8
(plan information and registrant information) will be sent or given to
participants of the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
and restated, as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933.
Such documents need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
either as part of this registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus
supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933. These
documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration
statement pursuant to Item 3 of Part II of this registration statement, taken
together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933.
I-1
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Pursuant to General Instruction E to Form S-8, the Registrant hereby
incorporates by reference in this registration statement the contents of the
Registrant's earlier registration statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos.
033-60699 and 333-84395) filed on June 29, 1995 and August 3, 1999,
respectively.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
5.1
Opinion of Riley, Ford, Caldwell & Cork, P.A.
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP
23.2
Consent of Riley, Ford, Caldwell & Cork, P.A. (included in opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on page II-2)
99.1
BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated (1)
99.2
Amendment No. 1 to the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as
Amended and Restated
(1)
Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for
the three months ended March 31, 1998 (file number 0-10826), and
incorporated by reference in this registration statement.
II-1
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration
statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Tupelo, State of Mississippi, on May 14, 2002.
BANCORPSOUTH, INC.
By:
/s/ Aubrey B. Patterson
Aubrey B. Patterson
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Aubrey B. Patterson and L. Nash Allen, Jr., and
each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, as agent and with full
power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacity, to sign any or all amendments to this
Registration Statement and any registration statement related to the same
offering as this Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agents in full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully
and to all intents and purposes as they might or be in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and their substitute
or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ Aubrey B. Patterson
Aubrey B. Patterson
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ L. Nash Allen, Jr.
L. Nash Allen, Jr.
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
May 14, 2002
/s/ Shed H. Davis
Shed H. Davis
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ Hassell H. Franklin
Hassell H. Franklin
Director
May 14, 2002
II-2
Table of Contents
SIGNATURE
TITLE
DATE
/s/ W.G. Holliman, Jr.
W.G. Holliman, Jr.
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ James V. Kelley
James V. Kelley
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ Larry G. Kirk
Larry G. Kirk
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ Turner O. Lashlee
Turner O. Lashlee
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ R. Madison Murphy
R. Madison Murphy
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ Robert C. Nolan
Robert C. Nolan
Director
May 14, 2002
W. Cal Partee, Jr.
Director
/s/ Alan W. Perry
Alan W. Perry
Director
May 14, 2002
/s/ Travis E. Staub
Travis E. Staub
Director
May 14, 2002
II-3
Table of Contents
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
5.1
Opinion of Riley, Ford, Caldwell & Cork, P.A.
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP
23.2
Consent of Riley, Ford, Caldwell & Cork, P.A. (included in opinion filed
as Exhibit 5.1)
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on page II-2)
99.2
Amendment No. 1 to the BancorpSouth, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan as
Amended and Restated
II-4