<Page> ================================================================================ 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 ---------------------- Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): MARCH 27, 2003 ---------------------- UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION ----------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 333-76055 --------- (Commission File Number) DELAWARE 43-1025604 -------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 2150 SCHUETZ ROAD ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63146 (Address of principal executive offices, with zip code) (314) 427-0780 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) NOT APPLICABLE -------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) ================================================================================ <Page> ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On March 27, 2003, United Industries Corporation issued a press release announcing the closing of its private placement of $85,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9 7/8% Series C Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The company previously announced that it was offering $75,000,000 aggregate principal amount of such notes. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release dated March 27, 2003 2 <Page> 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 thereunto duly authorized. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION By: /s/ DANIEL J. JOHNSTON - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name: Daniel J. Johnston Title: Executive Vice President and Date: March 27, 2003 Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer ) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 <Page> EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION ----------- ----------- 99.1 Press Release dated March 27, 2003