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                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

[Spectrum Brands Logo]

                                                                            NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


          UNITED INDUSTRIES ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF
                      SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2009

ST. LOUIS, MARCH 27, 2003 - United Industries Corporation (United) announced
today that it has closed a 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.

The net proceeds of the offering will be used to reduce outstanding indebtedness
under the company's Senior Credit Facility.

The Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 will not be and have not been registered
under the United States Securities Act of 1933 or under any state securities
laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the
account or benefit of, any U.S. person, absent registration or an applicable
exemption from registration requirements.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of
an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or
sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or
sale would be unlawful.


(Bloomberg Symbol: 14496Z)

CONTACT:    Daniel J. Johnston
            United Industries Corporation
            (314) 427-0780