Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

Commission file number 1-13293

The Hillman Companies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 851-4900

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Table of Contents

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

On March 29, 2013, 5,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were issued and outstanding and 4,217,724 Trust Preferred Securities were issued and outstanding by the Hillman Group Capital Trust. The Trust Preferred Securities trade on the NYSE Amex under the symbol HLM.Pr. The aggregate market value of the Trust Preferred Securities held by non-affiliates at June 29, 2012 was $125,899,061.

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1 – Business.

General

The Hillman Companies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively “Hillman” or the “Company”) are one of the largest providers of hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. The Company’s principal business is operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. (the “Hillman Group”), which had net sales of approximately $555.5 million in 2012. The Hillman Group sells its products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Product lines include thousands of small parts such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems and accessories; builder’s hardware; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs. The Company supports its product sales with value added services including design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels.

The Company’s headquarters are located at 10590 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Company maintains a website at http://www.hillmangroup.com. Information contained or linked on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report and should not be considered a part of this annual report.

Background

On May 28, 2010, Hillman was acquired by affiliates of Oak Hill Capital Partners (“OHCP”) and certain members of Hillman’s management and Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 21, 2010, the Company was merged with an affiliate of OHCP with the Company surviving the merger (the “Merger Transaction”). As a result of the Merger Transaction, Hillman is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OHCP HM Acquisition Corp. (“Holdco”). The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was $832.7 million which includes $11.5 million for the Quick-Tag™ license and related patents, repayment of outstanding debt and the net value of the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated debentures ($105.4 million liquidation value, net of $3.3 million in trust common securities, at the time of the merger).

Prior to the Merger Transaction, affiliates of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC (“CHS”) owned 49.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 54.6% of the Company’s voting common stock, Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan (“OTPP”) owned 28.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 31.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and HarbourVest Partners VI owned 8.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 9.7% of the Company’s voting common stock. Certain current and former members of management owned 13.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 4.4% of the Company’s voting common stock. Other investors owned 0.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 0.3% of the Company’s voting common stock.

The Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for the periods presented prior to May 28, 2010 are referenced herein as the predecessor financial statements (the “Predecessor” or “Predecessor Financial Statements”). The Company’s consolidated balance sheets and its related statements of comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for the periods presented subsequent to the Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the successor financial statements (the “Successor” or “Successor Financial Statements”). The Predecessor Financial Statements do not reflect certain transaction amounts that were incurred at the close of the Merger Transaction. Such transaction amounts include the write-off of $5.0 million in deferred financing fees associated with the Predecessor debt obligations.

3

Table of Contents

Recent Developments

Effective February 14, 2013, the Company completed an amendment to the credit agreement governing its Senior Facilities. The Senior Facilities amendment modified the term loan pricing to reduce the Eurodollar Margin by 50 basis points and reduce the Eurodollar floor on Eurodollar Loans by an additional 25 basis points. This amendment modified the term loan pricing to reduce the Base Rate Margin by 50 basis points and reduce the floor on Base Rate Loans by an additional 25 basis points. This amendment also extends the maturity date of the Senior Facilities by one year to May 28, 2017.

On February 19, 2013, pursuant to the terms of the previously announced plan of arrangement dated December 17, 2012, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares of H. Paulin & Co., Limited (“Paulin”) and Paulin became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Paulin Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price of the Paulin Acquisition was approximately C$105.7 million paid in cash.

Paulin is a leading Canadian distributor and manufacturer of fasteners, fluid system products, automotive parts and retail hardware components. Paulin’s distribution facilities are located across Canada in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton, as well as in Flint, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio. Paulin’s four manufacturing facilities are located in Ontario, Canada. Annual revenues of Paulin for 2011 were approximately C$139.0 million.

The Hillman Group

The Company is organized as five separate business segments, the largest of which is (1) The Hillman Group operating primarily in the United States. The other business segments consist of subsidiaries of the Hillman Group operating in (2) Canada under the name The Hillman Group Canada, Ltd., (3) Mexico under the name SunSource Integrated Services de Mexico SA de CV, (4) Florida under the name All Points Industries, Inc. and (5) Australia under the name The Hillman Group Australia Pty. Ltd. The Hillman Group provides merchandising services and products such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems and accessories; builder’s hardware; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers and signs, to retail outlets, primarily hardware stores, home centers and mass merchants, pet supply stores, grocery stores and drug stores. Through its field sales and service organization, Hillman complements its extensive product selection with value-added services for the retailer.

Hillman markets and distributes approximately 80,000 stock keeping units (“SKUs”) of small, hard-to-find and hard-to-manage hardware items. Hillman functions as a merchandising manager for retailers and supports these products with in-store service, high order fill rates and rapid delivery of products sold. Sales and service representatives regularly visit retail outlets to review stock levels, reorder items in need of replacement, and interact with the store management to offer new product and merchandising ideas. Thousands of items can be actively managed with the retailer experiencing a substantial reduction in in-store labor costs and replenishment paperwork. Service representatives also assist in organizing the products in a consumer-friendly manner. Hillman complements its broad range of products with value-added merchandising services such as displays, product identification stickers, retail price labels, store rack and drawer systems, assistance in rack positioning and store layout, and inventory restocking services. Hillman regularly refreshes retailers’ displays with new products and package designs utilizing color-coding to simplify the shopping experience for consumers and improve the attractiveness of individual store displays.

The Company ships its products from 12 strategically located distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Australia, (See Item 2 – Properties)and is recognized for providing retailers with industry leading fill-rates and lead times. Hillman’s main distribution centers utilize state-of-the-art warehouse management systems (“WMS”) to ship customer orders within 48 hours while achieving a 97.1% order fill rate. Hillman utilizes

4

Table of Contents

third-party logistics providers to warehouse and ship customer orders in Mexico and Australia.

Hillman also designs, manufactures and markets industry-leading identification and duplication equipment for home, office, automotive and specialty keys. In early 2000, the Company revolutionized the key duplication market with the patent-protected Axxess Key Duplication System™ which provided to store associates with little or no experience, the ability to accurately identify and duplicate a key. In 2007, Hillman upgraded its key duplication technology with Precision Laser Key™ utilizing innovative digital and laser imaging to identify a key and duplicate the cut-pattern automatically. Through the Company’s creative use of technology and efficient use of inventory management systems, Hillman has proven to be a profitable revenue source within big box retailers. The Company’s duplication systems have been placed in over 13,950 retail locations to date and are supported by Hillman sales and service representatives.

In addition, Hillman applies a variety of innovative options of consumer-operated vending systems for engraving specialty items such as pet identification tags, luggage tags and other engraved identification tags. The Company has developed unique engraving systems leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to provide a customized solution for mass merchant and pet supply retailers. To date, approximately 6,500 Hillman engraving systems have been placed in retail locations which are also supported by Hillman’s sales and service representatives.

Products and Suppliers

Hillman’s vast product portfolio is recognized by top retailers across North America for providing consistent quality and innovation to DIY’ers and professional contractors. The Company’s product strategy concentrates on providing total project solutions for common and unique home improvement projects. Hillman’s portfolio provides retailers the assurance that their shoppers can find the right product at the right price within an ‘easy to shop’ environment.

The Company currently manages a worldwide supply chain of approximately 427 vendors, the largest of which accounted for approximately 6.7% of the Company’s annual purchases and the top five of which accounted for approximately 22.7% of its annual purchases. About 43.1% of Hillman’s annual purchases are from non-U.S. suppliers, with the balance from U.S. manufacturers and master distributors. The Company’s vendor quality control procedures include on-site evaluations and frequent product testing. Vendors are also evaluated based on delivery performance and the accuracy of their shipments.

Fasteners

Fasteners remain the core of Hillman’s business and the product line encompasses more than 64,000 SKUs, which management believes to be one of the largest selections among suppliers servicing the hardware retail segment. The fastener line includes standard and specialty nuts, bolts, washers, screws, anchors, and picture hanging items. Hillman offers zinc, chrome, and galvanized plated steel fasteners in addition to stainless steel, brass, and nylon fasteners in this vast line of products. In addition, the Company carries a complete line of indoor and outdoor project fasteners for use with drywall and deck construction.

The Company keeps the fastener category vibrant and refreshed for retailers by providing a continuous stream of new products. Some of the Company’s latest offerings include an expansion of Hillman’s WeatherMaxx™ Stainless Steel fasteners. The fast-growing category provides consumers with value-added performance in exterior applications and incremental margins for retailers. The new WeatherMaxx™ features a variety of packaging options ensuring consumers find the right quantity for large or small projects. In addition, the new Tite-Series marks Hillman’s expansion into the fast growing and highly profitable construction fastener segment. The Tite-Series features fasteners for common new construction and remodeling projects such as deck building, roof repair, landscaping and gutter repair. The Tite-Series offers enhanced performance with an easy-start, type 17 bit, serrated threads and reduced torque requirements. The program also features an

5

Table of Contents

innovative new merchandising format which allows retailers to increase holding power while displaying products in a neat and organized system.

In 2012, the Company developed a new Mass Merchant Fastener program. The new line targets consumers visiting mass merchants, grocery and department stores who desire to purchase their hardware needs while shopping for grocery and general merchandise needs. The product offering provides convenience to the light-duty DIY’er and solutions to the top 100 home improvement projects. The program also features bold color-coded packaging and merchandising allowing consumers to easily navigate the display and locate items quickly. The Company’s management believes that this new line is among the most comprehensive and innovative in this market segment which is growing in popularity due to busy consumers who prefer one-stop shopping superstores. Other new fastener offerings include new hobby and craft hardware, ProCrafter™ woodworking screws, electrical sockets and specialty connectors.

Also in 2012, Hillman expanded its fastener presence beyond retailers’ ‘brick and mortar’ locations by entering into the e-commerce segment. Hillman supported e-commerce requests by posting over 20,000 items available for sale on retailers’ websites. The Company supported direct to store and direct to consumer fulfillment for consumers who chose to order fasteners directly from retailers’ websites. Consumers could visit the retailer’s website, select their desired fasteners, pay by credit card and pick-up their order at the retailer’s store or choose to have the order shipped to the address of the consumer’s choice. The Company plans to continue to support retailers’ requests to expand their on-line offering in 2013.

Fasteners generated approximately 55.6% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 55.2% in 2011.

Keys and Key Accessories

Hillman designs and manufactures proprietary equipment which forms the cornerstone for the Company’s key duplication business. The Hillman key duplication system is offered in various retail channels including mass merchants, home centers, automotive parts retailers, franchise and independent (“F&I”) hardware stores, and grocery/drug chains; it can also be found in many service-based businesses like parcel shipping outlets.

Hillman markets its key duplication system under two brands. The Axxess Precision Key Duplication System™ is marketed to national retailers requiring a key duplication program easily mastered by novice associates, while the Hillman Key Program targets the franchise hardware and independent retailers, with a machine that works well in businesses with lower turnover and highly skilled employees. There are over 13,900 Axxess Programs placed in North American retailers including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, Menards, Kmart and Sears.

Hillman introduced the Precision Laser Key System™ in 2007. This system uses a digital optical camera, lasers and proprietary software to scan a customer’s key. The system identifies the key and retrieves the key’s specifications, including the appropriate blank and cutting pattern, from a comprehensive database. This technology automates nearly every aspect of key duplication and provides the ability for every store associate to cut a key accurately. Hillman has placed approximately 1,000 of these key duplicating systems in North American retailers and the Company’s management believes that the Company is well-positioned to capitalize on this relatively new technology.

In 2012, Hillman expanded market testing of the innovative FastKey consumer operated key duplication system. FastKey utilizes technology from the Precision Laser Key System™ and combines a consumer-friendly vending system which allows retail shoppers to duplicate the most popular home, office and small lock keys. The FastKey system covers a large percentage of the key market and features a unique key sleeve that ensures proper insertion, alignment and duplication of the key. Consumers who attempt to duplicate keys not included in the FastKey system receive a ‘service slip’ identifying their key and referring them to the main Hillman key cutting location within the store. The FastKey

6

Table of Contents

market test has demonstrated the ability to increase overall key sales at the store retail level.

In addition to key duplication, Hillman has an exclusive, strategic partnership with Barnes Distribution for the distribution of the proprietary PC+^© Code Cutter machine which produces automobile keys based on a vehicle’s identification number. The Code Cutter machines are marketed to automotive dealerships, auto rental agencies and various companies with truck and vehicle fleets. Since its introduction, over 7,900 PC+^© units and over 8,500 of the newer Flash Code Cutter units have been sold.

Hillman also markets keys and key accessories in conjunction with its duplication systems. Hillman’s proprietary key offering features the Universal Blank which uses a ‘universal’ keyway to replace 4-5 original equipment keys. This innovative system allows a retailer to duplicate 99% of the key market while stocking less than 100 SKUs. Hillman continually refreshes the retailer’s key offering by introducing decorated and licensed keys and accessories. The Company’s Wackey™ and Fanatix™ lines feature decorative themes of art and popular licenses such as NFL, Disney, Breast Cancer Awareness, M&M’s and Harley Davidson to increase the purchase frequency and average transaction value per key. In 2012, the Company introduced a successful line of decorative and licensed lanyards. Hillman has taken the key and key accessory categories from a price sensitive commodity to a fashion driven business and has significantly increased retail pricing and gross margins.

Keys, key accessories and Code Cutter units represented approximately 20.8% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 21.9% in 2011.

Engraving

Hillman’s engraving business focuses on the growing consumer spending trends surrounding personalized and pet identification. Innovation has played a major role in the development of the Company’s engraving business unit. From the original Quick-Tag™ consumer-operated vending system to the proprietary laser system of TagWorks, Hillman continues to lead the industry with consumer-friendly engraving solutions.

Quick-Tag™ is a patented, consumer-operated vending system that custom engraves and dispenses pet identification tags, military-style I.D. tags, holiday ornaments and luggage tags. Styles include NFL and NCAA logo military tags. Quick-Tag™ is an easy, convenient means for the consumer to custom engrave tags and generates high levels of customer satisfaction with attractive margins for the retailer. Hillman has placed over 2,500 Quick-Tag™ machines in retail outlets throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to placements in retail outlets, the Company has placed machines inside theme parks such as Disney, Sea World, and Universal Studios.

In 2010, Hillman launched the next generation engraving platform with its new FIDO™ system. This new engraving program integrates a fun attractive design with a user interface that provides new features for the consumer. The individual tag is packaged in a mini cassette and the machine’s mechanism flips the tag to allow engraving on both sides. The user interface features a loveable dog character that guides the consumer through the engraving process. Hillman has placed approximately 1,000 FIDO™ systems in PETCO stores as of December 31, 2012.

In 2011, Hillman acquired the innovative TagWorks engraving system featuring patented technology, unique product portfolio and attractive off-board merchandising. The TagWorks system utilizes laser printing technology and allows consumers to watch the engraving process. The off-board merchandising allows premium-priced tags to be displayed in store-front locations and is effective at increasing the average price per transaction.

Hillman designs, manufactures and assembles the engraving equipment in the Company’s Tempe, Arizona facility. Engraving products represented approximately 8.8% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 8.2% in 2011.

7

Table of Contents

Letters, Numbers and Signs

Letters, Numbers and Signs (“LNS”) includes product lines that target both the homeowner and commercial user. Product lines within this category include individual and/or packaged letters, numbers, signs, safety related products (e.g. 911 signs), driveway markers, and a diversity of sign accessories, such as sign frames.

Through a series of strategic acquisitions, exclusive partnerships, and organic product developments, Hillman has created an LNS program which gives retailers one of the largest product offerings available in this category. This SKU intensive product category is considered a staple for retail hardware departments and is typically merchandised in eight linear feet of retail space containing hundreds of SKUs. In addition to the core product program, Hillman provides its customers with value-added retail support including custom plan-o-grams and merchandising solutions.

Hillman has demonstrated the continual launch of new products to match the needs of DIY and commercial end-users. Hillman recently introduced popular programs such as high-end address plaques and numbers, the custom create-a-sign program and commercial signs. The Company also introduced innovative solar technology to add an element of illumination to the core category.

The Hillman LNS program can be found in big box retailers, mass merchants, and pet supply accounts. In addition, Hillman has product placement in F&I hardware retailers.

The LNS category represented approximately 5.8% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 6.5% in 2011.

Threaded Rod

Hillman is a leading supplier of metal shapes and threaded rod in the retail market. The SteelWorks™ threaded rod product includes hot and cold rolled rod, both weld-able and plated, as well as a complete offering of All-Thread rod in galvanized steel, stainless steel, and brass.

The SteelWorks™ program is carried by many top retailers, including Lowe’s, Menards, and Sears, and through cooperatives such as Ace Hardware. In addition, Hillman is the primary supplier of metal shapes to many wholesalers throughout the country.

Threaded rod generated approximately 6.0% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 6.1% in 2011.

Builder’s Hardware

The builder’s hardware category includes a variety of common household items such as coat hooks, door stops, hinges, gate latches, hasps and decorative hardware.

Hillman markets the builder’s hardware products under the Hardware Essentials™ brand and provides the retailer with an innovative merchandising solution. The Hardware Essentials™ program utilizes modular packaging, color coding and integrated merchandising to simplify the shopping experience for consumers. Colorful signs, packaging and installation instructions guide the consumer quickly and easily to the correct product location. Hardware Essentials™ provides retailers and consumers decorative upgrade opportunities through the introduction of high-end finishes such as satin nickel, pewter and antique bronze.

The combination of merchandising, upgraded finishes and product breadth is designed to improve the retailer’s performance. The addition of the builder’s hardware product line exemplifies the Company’s strategy of leveraging its core competencies to further penetrate customer accounts with new product offerings. In 2012, the Company expanded the placement of the Hardware Essentials™ line in the F&I channel. The F&I channel provided successful conversions in over 650 new locations and is driving strong sales performance for retailers.

8

Table of Contents

As of December 31, 2012, the Hardware Essentials™ line is placed in over 2,500 retail locations and generated approximately 2.9% of the Company’s total revenues in 2012, as compared to 2.0% in 2011.

Markets and Customers

Hillman sells its products to national accounts such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply, Sears, Menards, PetSmart and PETCO. Hillman’s status as a national supplier of proprietary products to big box retailers allows it to develop a strong market position and high barriers to entry within its product categories.

Hillman services more than 15,000 F&I retail outlets. These individual dealers are typically members of the larger cooperatives, such as True Value, Ace Hardware, and Do-It-Best. The Company ships directly to the cooperative’s retail locations and also supplies many items to the cooperative’s central warehouses. These central warehouses distribute to their members that do not have a requirement for Hillman’s in-store service. These arrangements reduce credit risk and logistic expenses for Hillman while also reducing central warehouse inventory and delivery costs for the cooperatives.

A typical hardware store maintains thousands of different items in inventory, many of which generate small dollar sales but large profits. It is difficult for a retailer to economically monitor all stock levels and to reorder the products from multiple vendors. This problem is compounded by the necessity of receiving small shipments of inventory at different times and having to stock the goods. The failure to have these small items available will have an adverse effect on store traffic, thereby denying the retailer the opportunity to sell items that generate higher dollar sales.

Hillman sells its products to approximately 20,000 customers, the top five of which accounted for approximately 45.6% of the Company’s total revenue in 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Lowe’s was the single largest customer, representing approximately 21.6% of the Company’s total revenue, Home Depot was the second largest at approximately 11.6% and Wal-Mart was the third largest at approximately 6.9% of the Company’s total revenue. No other customer accounted for more than 5.0% of the Company’s total revenue in 2012.

The Company’s telemarketing activity sells to thousands of smaller hardware outlets and non-hardware accounts. The Company is also pursuing new business internationally in such places as Canada, Mexico, Australia, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

Sales and Marketing

The Hillman Group provides product support, customer service and profit opportunities for its retail distribution partners. The Company believes that its competitive advantage is in its ability to provide a greater level of customer service than its competitors.

Company-wide, service is the hallmark of Hillman. The national accounts field service organization consists of over 450 employees and 29 field managers focusing on Big Box retailers, pet super stores, large national discount chains and grocery stores. This organization reorders products, details store shelves, and sets up in-store promotions. Many of the Company’s largest customers use electronic data interchange (“EDI”) for handling of orders and invoices.

The Company employs what it believes to be the largest factory direct sales force in the industry. The sales force which consists of over 220 employees, and is managed by 20 field managers, focuses on the F&I customers. The depth of the sales and service team enables Hillman to maintain consistent call cycles ensuring that all customers experience proper stock levels and inventory turns. This team also builds custom plan-o-grams of displays to fit the needs of any store and establishes programs that meet customers’ requirements for pricing, invoicing, and other needs. This group also benefits from daily internal support from the Company’s inside sales and customer service teams. On

9

Table of Contents

average, each sales representative is responsible for approximately 50 full service accounts that the sales representative calls on approximately every two weeks.

These efforts, coupled with those of the marketing department, allow the sales force to not only sell products, but sell merchandising and technological support capabilities as well. Hillman’s marketing department provides support through the development of new products and categories, sales collateral material, promotional items, merchandising aids and custom signage. Marketing services such as advertising, graphic design, and trade show management are also provided. The department is organized along Hillman’s three marketing competencies: product management, channel marketing and marketing communications.

Competition

The Company’s primary competitors in the national accounts marketplace for fasteners are Illinois Tool Works Inc., Dorman Products Inc., Crown Bolt LLC., Midwest Fastener Corporation, and the Newell Group. Competition is based primarily on in-store service and price. Other competitors are local and regional distributors. Competitors in the pet tag market are specialty retailers, direct mail order and retailers with in-store mail order capability. The Quick-Tag™, FIDO and TagWorks systems have patent protected technology that is a major barrier to entry and preserves this market segment.

The principal competitors for Hillman’s F&I business are Midwest Fastener and Hy-Ko Products Company (“Hy-Ko”) in the hardware store marketplace. Midwest Fasteners primarily focuses on fasteners, while Hy-Ko is the major competitor in LNS products and keys/key accessories. The Company’s management estimates that Hillman sells to approximately 63% of the full service hardware stores in the F&I marketplace. The hardware outlets that purchase products but not services from Hillman also purchase products from local and regional distributors and cooperatives. Hillman competes primarily on field service, merchandising, as well as product availability, price and depth of product line.

Insurance Arrangements

Under the Company’s current insurance programs, commercial umbrella coverage is obtained for catastrophic exposure and aggregate losses in excess of expected claims. Since 1991, the Company has retained the exposure on certain expected losses related to worker’s compensation, general liability and automobile. The Company also retains the exposure on expected losses related to health benefits of certain employees. The Company believes that its present insurance is adequate for its businesses. See Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 1,932 full time and part time employees, none of which were covered by a collective bargaining agreement. In the opinion of the Company’s management, employee relations are good.

Backlog

The Company does not consider the sales backlog to be a significant indicator of future performance due to the short order cycle of its business. The Company’s sales backlog from ongoing operations was approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2012 and approximately $3.4 million as of December 31, 2011.

10

Table of Contents

Where You Can Find More Information

The Company files quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K and furnishes current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). You may read and copy any reports, statements, or other information filed by the Company at the Commission’s public reference rooms at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms. The Commission also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains quarterly, annual, and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, like Hillman, that file electronically with the Commission.

11

Table of Contents

Item 1A – Risk Factors.

An investment in the Company’s securities involves certain risks as discussed below. However, the risks set forth below are not the only risks that the Company faces, and it faces other risks which have not yet been identified or which are not yet otherwise predictable. If any of the following risks occur or are otherwise realized, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. You should consider carefully the risks described below and all other information in this annual report, including the Company’s financial statements and the related notes and schedules thereto, prior to making an investment decision with regard to the Company’s securities.

Current economic conditions may adversely impact demand for our products, reduce access to credit and cause our customers and others with which we do business to suffer financial hardship, all of which could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our business, financial condition and results of operations have and may continue to be affected by various economic factors. The U.S. economy has undergone a period of recession and the future economic environment may continue to be less favorable than that of recent years. The economic slowdown has led to reduced consumer and business spending and any delay in the recovery could lead to further reduced spending in the foreseeable future, including by our customers. In addition, economic conditions, including decreased access to credit, may result in financial difficulties leading to restructurings, bankruptcies, liquidations and other unfavorable events for our customers, suppliers and other service providers. If such conditions deteriorate in 2013 or through 2014, our industry, business and results of operations may be materially adversely impacted.

The Company’s business is impacted by general economic conditions in the U.S. and international markets, particularly the U.S. retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retailers. In recent quarters, operations have been negatively impacted by the general downturn in the U.S. economy, including higher unemployment figures, and the contraction of the retail market. Although there have been certain signs of improvement in the economy, general expectations do not call for significant economic growth to return in the near term and may have the effect of reducing consumer spending which could adversely affect our results of operations during the next year.

The Company operates in a highly competitive industry, which may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

The retail industry is highly competitive, with the principal methods of competition being price, quality of service, quality of products, product availability, credit terms and the provision of value-added services, such as merchandising design, in-store service and inventory management. The Company encounters competition from a large number of regional and national distributors, some of which have greater financial resources than the Company and may offer a greater variety of products. If these competitors are successful, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

If the current weakness continues in the retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants and other retail outlets in North America, or general recessionary conditions worsen, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

In the past several years, the Company’s business has been adversely affected by the decline in the North American economy, particularly with respect to retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards and mass merchants. It is possible that this softness will continue or further deteriorate in 2013 or through 2014. To the extent that this decline persists or deteriorates, there is likely to be an unfavorable impact on demand for Company products which could have a material adverse effect on

12

Table of Contents

sales, earnings and cash flows. In addition, due to current economic conditions, it is possible that certain customers’ credit-worthiness may erode and result in increased write-offs of customer receivables.

The Company’s business may be adversely affected by seasonality.

In general, the Company has experienced seasonal fluctuations in sales and operating results from quarter to quarter. Typically, the first calendar quarter is the weakest due to the effect of weather on home projects and the construction industry. If adverse weather conditions persist on a regional or national basis into the second or other calendar quarters, the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Large customer concentration and the inability to penetrate new channels of distribution could adversely affect the Company’s business.

The Company’s three largest customers constituted approximately 40.1% of net sales and 49.7% of the year-end accounts receivable balance for 2012. Each of these customers is a big box chain store. As a result, the Company’s results of operations depend greatly on our ability to maintain existing relationships and arrangements with these Big Box chain stores. To the extent the big box chain stores are materially adversely impacted by the current economic slowdown, this could have a negative effect on our results of operations. The loss of one of these customers or a material adverse change in the relationship with these customers could have a negative impact on the Company’s business. The Company’s inability to penetrate new channels of distribution may also have a negative impact on its future sales and business.

Successful sales and marketing efforts depend on the Company’s ability to recruit and retain qualified employees.

The success of the Company’s efforts to grow its business depends on the contributions and abilities of key executives, its sales force and other personnel, including the ability of its sales force to achieve adequate customer coverage. The Company must therefore continue to recruit, retain and motivate management, sales and other personnel to maintain its current business and to support its projected growth. A shortage of these key employees might jeopardize the Company’s ability to implement its growth strategy.

The Company is exposed to adverse changes in currency exchange rates.

Exposure to foreign currency risk results because the Company, through its global operations, enters into transactions and makes investments denominated in multiple currencies. The Company’s predominant exposures are in Australian, Canadian, Mexican and Asian currencies, including the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). In preparing the Company’s financial statements, for foreign operations with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at current exchange rates, and income and expenses are translated using weighted-average exchange rates. With respect to the effects on translated earnings, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to local currencies, the Company’s earnings could be negatively impacted. The Company does not make a practice of hedging its non-U.S. dollar earnings.

The Company sources many products from China and other Asian countries for resale in other regions. To the extent that the RMB or other currencies appreciate with respect to the U.S. dollar, the Company may experience cost increases on such purchases. The RMB appreciated against the U.S. dollar by 1.0% in 2012, 4.6% in 2011 and 3.3% in 2010. Significant appreciation of the RMB or other currencies in countries where the Company sources its products could adversely impact the Company’s profitability. The Company may not be successful at implementing customer pricing or other actions in an effort to mitigate the related cost increases and thus its results of operations may be adversely impacted.

The Company’s results of operations could be negatively impacted by inflation or deflation in the cost of raw materials, freight and energy.

13

Table of Contents

The Company’s products are manufactured of metals, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Additionally, the Company uses other commodity based materials in the manufacture of LNS that are resin based and subject to fluctuations in the price of oil. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in the price of diesel fuel in the form of freight surcharges on customer shipments and the cost of gasoline used by the field sales and service force. Continued inflation over a period of years would result in significant increases in inventory costs and operating expenses. If the Company is unable to mitigate these inflation increases through various customer pricing actions and cost reduction initiatives, the Company’s financial condition may be adversely affected. Conversely, in the event that there is deflation, the Company may experience pressure from its customers to reduce prices. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to reduce its cost base (through negotiations with suppliers or other measures) to offset any such price concessions which could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

The Company’s business is subject to risks associated with sourcing product from overseas.

The Company imports large quantities of its fastener products. Substantially all of its import operations are subject to customs requirements and to tariffs and quotas set by governments through mutual agreements or bilateral actions. In addition, the countries from which the Company’s products and materials are manufactured or imported may, from time to time, impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs or other restrictions on their imports or adversely modify existing restrictions. Adverse changes in these import costs and restrictions, or the Company’s suppliers’ failure to comply with customs regulations or similar laws, could harm the Company’s business.

The Company’s ability to import products in a timely and cost-effective manner may also be affected by conditions at ports or issues that otherwise affect transportation and warehousing providers, such as port and shipping capacity, labor disputes, severe weather or increased homeland security requirements in the U.S. and other countries. These issues could delay importation of products or require the Company to locate alternative ports or warehousing providers to avoid disruption to customers. These alternatives may not be available on short notice or could result in higher transit costs, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and financial condition.

Although we expect that the Paulin Acquisition will result in benefits to us, we may not realize those benefits because of integration difficulties.

Integrating the operations of Paulin successfully or otherwise realizing any of the anticipated benefits of the Paulin Acquisition, including anticipated cost savings and additional revenue opportunities, involves a number of challenges. The failure to meet these integration challenges could seriously harm our results of operations and our cash flow may decline as a result.

Realizing the benefits of the Paulin Acquisition will depend in part on the integration of information technology, operations, personnel, and sales force. These integration activities are complex and time-consuming and we may encounter unexpected difficulties or incur unexpected costs, including:

14

Table of Contents

We may not successfully integrate the operations of the businesses of Paulin in a timely manner and we may not realize the anticipated net reductions in costs and expenses and other benefits of the Paulin Acquisition to the extent, or in the timeframe, anticipated. In addition to the integration risks discussed above, our ability to realize these net reductions in costs and expenses and other benefits and synergies could be adversely impacted by practical or legal constraints on our ability to combine operations.

Acquisitions have formed a significant part of our growth strategy in the past and may continue to do so. If we are unable to identify suitable acquisition candidates or obtain financing needed to complete an acquisition, our growth strategy may not succeed.

Historically, the Company’s growth strategy has relied on acquisitions that either expand or complement its businesses in new or existing markets. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify or acquire acceptable acquisition candidates on terms favorable to the Company and in a timely manner, if at all, to the extent necessary to fulfill Hillman’s growth strategy.

The process of integrating acquired businesses into the Company’s operations may result in unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of resources and management attention, and there can be no assurance that Hillman will be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses into its operations.

The current economic environment may make it difficult to acquire businesses in order to further our growth strategy. We will continue to seek acquisition opportunities both to expand into new markets and to enhance our position in our existing markets. However, our ability to do so will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to obtain financing that we may need to complete a proposed acquisition opportunity which may be unavailable or available on terms that are not advantageous to us. If financing is unavailable, we may be forced to forego otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities which may have a negative effect on our ability to grow.

If the Company were required to write down all or part of its goodwill or indefinite-lived tradenames, its results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

As a result of the Merger Transaction and the subsequent acquisitions of Servalite, TagWorks and Ook, the Company has $455.3 million of goodwill and $49.4 million of indefinite-lived trade names recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012. The Company is required to periodically determine if its goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names have become impaired, in which case it would write down the impaired portion of the intangible asset. If the Company were required to write down all or part of its goodwill or indefinite-lived trade names, its net income could be materially adversely affected.

The Company’s success is highly dependent on information and technology systems.

The Company believes that its proprietary computer software programs are an integral part of its business and growth strategies. Hillman depends on its information systems to process orders, to manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, to purchase, sell and ship products efficiently and on a timely basis, to maintain cost-effective operations and to provide superior service to its customers. There can be no assurance that the precautions which the Company has taken against certain events that could disrupt the operations of its information systems will prevent the occurrence of such a disruption. Any such disruption could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

15

Table of Contents

Risks relating to the Senior Notes and our Indebtedness

The Company has significant indebtedness that could affect operations and financial condition and prevent the Company from fulfilling its obligations under the notes.

The Company has a significant amount of indebtedness. On December 31, 2012, total indebtedness was $683.8 million, consisting of $105.4 million of indebtedness of Hillman and $578.4 million of indebtedness of Hillman Group.

The Company’s substantial indebtedness could have important consequences to investors in Hillman securities. For example, it could:

In addition, the indenture governing our notes and senior secured credit facilities contain financial and other restrictive covenants that will limit the ability to engage in activities that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests. The failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all outstanding debts.

The decline of general economic conditions in the U.S. capital markets over the past several years has reduced the availability of credit for a number of companies. This may impact our ability to borrow additional funds, if necessary.

Despite current indebtedness levels, the Company may still be able to incur substantially more debt. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with the Company’s substantial leverage.

The Company may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture do not fully prohibit the Company or its subsidiaries from doing so. The senior secured credit facilities permit additional borrowing of up to $30.0 million on the revolving credit facility and all of those borrowings would rank senior to the notes and the guarantees. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that the Company and its subsidiaries now face could intensify.

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

The ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures and research and development efforts, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

The Company cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that currently anticipated cost savings and operating improvements will be realized on schedule or that future borrowings will be available under our credit facility in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to pay our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. The Company may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes on or before maturity. The Company

16

Table of Contents

cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our credit facility and the notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

The failure to meet certain financial covenants required by our credit agreements may materially and adversely affect assets, financial position and cash flows.

Certain of the Company’s credit agreements require the maintenance of a leverage ratio and limit our ability to incur debt, make investments, make dividend payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities or undertake certain other business activities. In particular, our maximum allowed leverage requirement is 4.75x, excluding the junior subordinated debentures, as of December 31, 2012. A breach of the leverage covenant, or any other covenants, could result in an event of default under the credit agreements. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreements, all amounts outstanding, together with accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable by our lenders. If this happens, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full the payments due under the credit agreements. The current credit market environment and other macro-economic challenges affecting the global economy may adversely impact our ability to borrow sufficient funds or sell assets or equity in order to pay existing debt.

The Company is permitted to create unrestricted subsidiaries, which are not to be subject to any of the covenants in the indenture, and the Company may not be able to rely on the cash flow or assets of those unrestricted subsidiaries to pay our indebtedness.

Unrestricted subsidiaries are not subject to the covenants under the indenture governing the notes. Unrestricted subsidiaries may enter into financing arrangements that limit their ability to make loans or other payments to fund payments in respect of the notes. Accordingly, the Company may not be able to rely on the cash flow or assets of unrestricted subsidiaries to pay any of our indebtedness, including the notes.

The Company is subject to fluctuations in interest rates.

All of our indebtedness incurred in connection with the Senior Secured Credit Facilities has variable rate interest. Increases in borrowing rates will increase our cost of borrowing, which may affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The Company may choose to redeem notes when prevailing interest rates are relatively low.

The Company may choose to redeem the notes from time to time, especially when prevailing interest rates are lower than the rate borne by the notes. If prevailing rates are lower at the time of redemption, an investor would not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on the notes being redeemed. The redemption right also may adversely impact an investor’s ability to sell notes as the optional redemption date or period approaches.

Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees and require note holders to return payments received from guarantors.

Under the federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be voided, or claims in respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor if, among other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee:

17

Table of Contents

In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to the guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the guarantor.

The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if:

On the basis of historical financial information, recent operating history and other factors, the Company’s management believes that each guarantor, after giving effect to its guarantee of the notes, will not be insolvent, have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged or have incurred debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature. The Company’s management can make no assurances as to what standard a court would apply in making these determinations or that a court would agree with our conclusions in this regard.

The Company may not be able to fulfill its repurchase obligations with respect to the notes upon a change of control.

If the Company experiences certain specific change of control events, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase all of our outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. The Company can make no assurances that it will have available funds sufficient to pay the change of control purchase price for any or all of the notes that might be tendered in the change of control offer.

The definition of change of control in the indenture governing the notes includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of our and our restricted subsidiaries’ assets, taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all”, there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase such notes as a result of a sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of our restricted subsidiaries’ assets taken as a whole to another person or group may be uncertain. In addition, a recent Delaware Chancery Court decision raised questions about the enforceability of provisions, which are similar to those in the indenture governing the notes, related to the triggering of a change of control as a result of a change in the composition of a board of directors. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase notes as a result of a change in the composition of our board of directors may be uncertain.

In addition, our credit facility contains, and any future credit agreement likely will contain, restrictions or prohibitions on our ability to repurchase the notes under certain circumstances. If a change of control event occurs at a time when we are prohibited from repurchasing the notes, we may seek the consent of our lenders to purchase the notes or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain these prohibitions or restrictions. If we do not obtain our lenders’ consent or refinance these borrowings, we will not be able to repurchase the notes. Accordingly, the holders of the notes may not receive the change of control purchase price for their notes in the event of a sale or other change of control, which will give the trustee and the holders of the notes the right to declare an event of default and accelerate the repayment of the notes.

18

Table of Contents

A financial failure by us or our subsidiaries may result in the assets of any or all of those entities becoming subject to the claims of all creditors of those entities.

A financial failure by us or our subsidiaries could affect payment of the notes if a bankruptcy court were to substantively consolidate us and our subsidiaries. If a bankruptcy court substantively consolidated us and our subsidiaries, the assets of each entity would become subject to the claims of creditors of all entities. This would expose holders of notes not only to the usual impairments arising from bankruptcy, but also to potential dilution of the amount ultimately recoverable because of the larger creditor base. Furthermore, forced restructuring of the notes could occur through the “cram-down” provisions of the bankruptcy code. Under these provisions, the notes could be restructured over holders’ objections as to their general terms, primarily interest rate and maturity.

A holder’s right to receive payments on the notes could be adversely affected if any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries declare bankruptcy, liquidate, or reorganize.

Some but not all of our subsidiaries guarantee the notes. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and their trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to us.

As of December 31, 2012, the notes were effectively junior to $3.2 million of indebtedness and other current liabilities (including trade payables) of our non-guarantor subsidiaries. Our non-guarantor subsidiaries held $20.8 million of our consolidated assets as of December 31, 2012.

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

19

Table of Contents

Item 2 – Properties.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company’s principal office, manufacturing and distribution properties were as follows:

With the exception of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, all of the Company’s facilities are leased. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s existing facilities are in good condition.

Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.

The information set forth under Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, to the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4 – Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not Applicable.

20

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Stock Exchange Listing

The Company’s common stock does not trade and is not listed on or quoted in an exchange or other market. The Trust Preferred Securities trade under the ticker symbol HLM.Pr on the NYSE Amex. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices as reported on the NYSE Amex for the Trust Preferred Securities.

The Trust Preferred Securities have a liquidation value of $25.00 per security. As of March 1, 2013, there were 438 holders of Trust Preferred Securities. As of March 29, 2013, the total number of Trust Preferred Securities outstanding was 4,217,724. As of March 29, 2013, the Company’s total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 5,000, held by one (1) stockholder.

Distributions

The Company pays interest to the Hillman Group Capital Trust (“the Trust”) on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105.4 million, or $12.2 million per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributes an equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company paid $12.2 million per year in interest on the Junior Subordinated Debentures, which was equivalent to the amounts distributed by the Trust for the same periods.

Pursuant to the indenture that governs the Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust is able to defer distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities for a period that cannot exceed 60 months (the “Deferral Period”). During the Deferral Period, the Company is required to accrue the full amount of all interest payable, and such deferred interest payments are immediately payable by the Company at the end of the Deferral Period. There were no deferrals of distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities in 2012 or 2011.

The interest payments on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities are deductible for federal income tax purposes by the Company under current law and will remain an obligation of the Company until the Trust Preferred Securities are redeemed or upon their maturity in 2027.

For more information on the Trust and Junior Subordinated Debentures, see “Item 7-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company made no repurchases of its equity securities during 2012.

21

Table of Contents

Item 6 – Selected Financial Data.

As a result of the Merger Transaction, the Company’s operations for the periods presented subsequent to the May 28, 2010 acquisition by an affiliate of OHCP, certain members of management and Board of Directors are referenced herein as the Successor or Successor Operations and include the effects of the Company’s debt refinancing. The Company’s operations for the periods presented prior to the Merger Transaction are referenced herein as the Predecessor or Predecessor Operations.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Predecessor as of and for the five months ended May 28, 2010 and as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008; and consolidated financial data of the Successor as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the seven months ended December 31, 2010. See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for information regarding the acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of OHCP and the Company’s debt refinancing as well as other acquisitions that affect comparability.

22

Table of Contents

Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

The following discussion provides information which the Company’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Company’s operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and schedules thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain disclosures related to acquisitions, refinancing, capital expenditures, resolution of pending litigation and realization of deferred tax assets contained in this annual report involve substantial risks and uncertainties and may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” “project” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions.

These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions and projections about future events. Although management believes that the expectations, assumptions and projections on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, they nonetheless could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those expectations, assumptions and projections also could be inaccurate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Instead, forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the Company’s strategy, planning, actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any strategy, planning, future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including the risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A of this annual report. Given these uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this annual report; they should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other individual. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur or might be materially different from those discussed.

General

Hillman is one of the largest providers of hardware-related products and related merchandising services to retail markets in North America. The Company’s principal business is operated through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hillman Group, Inc. (the “Hillman Group”), which had net sales of approximately $555.5 million in 2012. The Hillman Group sells its products to hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, pet supply stores, and other retail outlets principally in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Product lines include thousands of small parts such as fasteners and related hardware items; threaded rod and metal shapes; keys, key duplication systems and accessories; builder’s hardware; and identification items, such as tags and letters, numbers, and signs. The Company supports its product sales with value added services including design and installation of merchandising systems and maintenance of appropriate in-store inventory levels.

23

Table of Contents

Merger Transaction

On May 28, 2010, Hillman was acquired by affiliates of OHCP and certain members of Hillman’s management and Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 21, 2010, the Company was merged with an affiliate of OHCP with the Company surviving the Merger Transaction. As a result of the Merger Transaction, Hillman is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdco. The total consideration paid in the Merger Transaction was $832.7 million which includes $11.5 million for the Quick Tag license and related patents, repayment of outstanding debt and the net value of the Company’s outstanding junior subordinated debentures ($105.4 million liquidation value, net of $3.3 million in trust common securities, at the time of the merger).

Prior to the Merger Transaction, affiliates of CHS owned 49.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 54.6% of the Company’s voting common stock, OTPP owned 28.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 31.0% of the Company’s voting common stock and HarbourVest Partners VI owned 8.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 9.7% of the Company’s voting common stock. Certain current and former members of management owned 13.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 4.4% of the Company’s voting common stock. Other investors owned 0.3% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and 0.3% of the Company’s voting common stock.

Financing Arrangements

On May 28, 2010, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries closed on a $320.0 million senior secured first lien credit facility (the “Senior Facilities”), consisting of a $290.0 million term loan and a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolver”). The term loan portion of the Senior Facilities had a six year term and the Revolver had a five year term. The Senior Facilities provide borrowings at interest rates based on a EuroDollar rate plus a margin of 3.75% (the “EuroDollar Margin”), or a base rate (the “Base Rate”) plus a margin of 2.75% (the “Base Rate Margin”). The EuroDollar rate was subject to a minimum floor of 1.75% and the Base Rate was subject to a minimum floor of 2.75%.

Concurrently with the Merger Transaction, Hillman Group issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due 2018 (the “10.875% Senior Notes”). On March 16, 2011, Hillman Group completed an offering of $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.875% Senior Notes. Hillman Group received a premium of approximately $4.6 million on the $50.0 million 10.875% Senior Notes offering. On December 21, 2012, Hillman Group completed an offering of $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of its temporary 10.875% Senior Notes. Hillman Group received a premium of approximately $4.2 million on the $65.0 million temporary 10.875% Senior Notes offering. On February 19, 2013, the temporary 10.875% Senior Notes were mandatorily exchanged for a like aggregate principal amount of 10.875% Senior Notes in connection with the acquisition of Paulin. The 10.875% Senior Notes are guaranteed by The Hillman Companies, Inc., Hillman Investment Company and all of the domestic subsidiaries of Hillman Group. Hillman Group pays interest on the 10.875% Senior Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

The Senior Facilities contain financial and operating covenants. These covenants require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including a secured leverage ratio. These debt agreements provide for customary events of default, including, but not limited to, payment defaults, breach of representations or covenants, cross-defaults, bankruptcy events, failure to pay judgments, attachment of its assets, change of control and the issuance of an order of dissolution. Certain of these events of default are subject to notice and cure periods or materiality thresholds. The occurrence of an event of default permits the lenders under the Senior Facilities to accelerate repayment of all amounts due, terminate commitments, direct borrower to pay Collateral Agent additional cash collateral, and enforce any and all rights.

The Company pays interest to the Trust on the Junior Subordinated Debentures underlying the Trust Preferred Securities at the rate of 11.6% per annum on their face amount of $105.4 million, or $12.2 million per annum in the aggregate. The Trust distributes an

24

Table of Contents

equivalent amount to the holders of the Trust Preferred Securities. Pursuant to the Indenture that governs the Trust Preferred Securities, the Trust is able to defer distribution payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities for a period that cannot exceed 60 months (the “Deferral Period”). During a Deferral Period, the Company is required to accrue the full amount of all interest payable, and such deferred interest payable would become immediately payable by the Company at the end of the Deferral Period.

Effective April 18, 2011, the Company completed an amendment to the credit agreement governing its Senior Facilities. The Senior Facilities amendment eliminated the total leverage and interest coverage covenants and reduced the secured leverage covenant to 4.75x with no future step downs. The term loan pricing was modified to reduce the Eurodollar Margin and the Base Rate Margin by 25 basis points and reduce the floor on Eurodollar and Base Rate Loans by an additional 25 basis points. In connection with the amendment to the credit agreement, the Company incurred loan discount costs of $1.25 million. As the modification of the Senior Facilities agreement was not substantial, the unamortized loan discount and debt issuance costs will be amortized over the term of the amended Senior Facilities. The Company was in compliance with all provisions and covenants of the amended Senior Facilities as of December 31, 2012.

Effective November 4, 2011, the Company entered into a Joinder Agreement to its credit agreement under the existing Senior Facilities (the “2011 Incremental Facility”). The 2011 Incremental Facility increased the aggregate term loan commitments available to Hillman Group under the Senior Facilities by $30.0 million. In connection with the 2011 Incremental Facility, the Company incurred loan discount costs of approximately $0.8 million. As the modification of the Senior Facilities agreement was not substantial, the unamortized loan discount costs will be amortized over the term of the amended Senior Facilities. The aggregate principal amount of commitments under the Senior Facilities, after giving effect to the 2011 Incremental Facility, was $350.0 million. The Company used the proceeds for general corporate purposes.

On June 24, 2010, the Company entered into a forward Interest Rate Swap Agreement (“2010 Swap”) with a two-year term for a notional amount of $115.0 million. The effective date of the 2010 Swap was May 31, 2011 and its termination date is May 31, 2013. The 2010 Swap fixes the interest rate at 2.47% plus the applicable interest rate margin.

The 2010 Swap was initially designated as a cash flow hedge. Effective April 18, 2011, the Company executed the second amendment to the credit agreement which modified the interest rate on the Senior Facilities. The critical terms for the 2010 Swap no longer matched the terms of the amended Senior Facilities and the 2010 Swap was de-designated.

Effective November 7, 2012, the Company entered into a Joinder Agreement to its credit agreement under the existing Senior Facilities (the “2012 Incremental Facility”). The 2012 Incremental Facility increased the aggregate term loan commitments available to Hillman Group under the Senior Facilities by $76.8 million. Subject to the conditions precedent to each funding date described in Section 17 of the 2012 Incremental Facility, the Company may make two drawings under the 2012 Incremental Facility on any business day after November 7, 2012 and prior to April 1, 2013. The Company drew down on funds from the 2012 Incremental Facility in order to fund the permitted acquisition of Paulin on February 19, 2013. The Company expects that the proceeds from the 2012 Incremental Facility will be used for general corporate purposes, including the ability to fund permitted acquisitions. The aggregate principal amount of commitments under the Senior Facilities, after giving effect to the 2012 Incremental Facility, was $420.0 million.

Acquisitions

On December 29, 2010, the Hillman Group entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among Serv-A-Lite Products, Inc. (“Servalite”), Thomas Rowe, Mary Jennifer Rowe, and the Hillman Group, whereby the Hillman Group acquired all of the equity interest of Servalite (the “Servalite Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price was $21.3 million paid in cash at closing. Servalite has a broad offering of fasteners and ‘hard to find’ parts which are sold primarily into the retail hardware market.

25

Table of Contents

Servalite’s breadth of product in specialty fasteners and electrical parts strengthens Hillman’s position of providing value-added products and services to hardware retailers. On March 31, 2011, Servalite was merged with and into Hillman Group, with Hillman Group as the surviving entity.

On March 16, 2011, Hillman Group acquired all of the membership interests in TagWorks L.L.C., an Arizona limited liability company (the “TagWorks Acquisition”) for an initial purchase price of approximately $40.0 million in cash. In addition, subject to fulfillment of certain conditions, Hillman Group paid additional consideration of $12.5 million to the sellers of TagWorks on October 31, 2011, and also paid an additional earn-out payment of $12.5 million in March 2012. In conjunction with this agreement, Hillman Group entered into an agreement with KeyWorks, a company affiliated with TagWorks, to assign its patent-pending retail key program technology to Hillman Group. The closing of the TagWorks Acquisition occurred concurrently with the closing of the new notes offering. Effective December 31, 2011, TagWorks was merged with and into Hillman Group, with Hillman Group as the surviving entity.

On December 1, 2011, the Hillman Group purchased certain assets of Micasa Trading Corporation (“Micasa”), a Florida based producer of the Ook brand of picture hangers and related products (the “Ook Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price was $14.8 million paid in cash.

In addition, subject to fulfillment of certain conditions provided in the purchase agreement, Hillman Group would have paid Micasa an additional undiscounted contingent consideration of up to $6.0 million in March 2013. The March 2013 additional consideration was contingent upon achieving a 2012 defined earnings target which was not met.

Product Revenues

The following is revenue based on products for the Company’s significant product categories (in thousands):

26

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Sales and Profitability for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

27

Table of Contents

Current Economic Conditions

The Company’s business is impacted by general economic conditions in the U.S. and international markets, particularly the U.S. retail markets including hardware stores, home centers, mass merchants, and other retailers. In recent quarters, operations have been negatively impacted by the general downturn in the U.S. economy, including higher unemployment figures, and the contraction of the retail market. Recently, there have been certain signs of improvement in economic activity. However, conditions are not expected to improve significantly in the near term. While recent economic growth reports are more positive, there still exists concern about downside risk to future growth and the high unemployment rate. These factors may have the effect of reducing consumer spending which could adversely affect our results of operations during the next year and beyond.

The Company is sensitive to inflation or deflation present in the economies of the United States and foreign suppliers located primarily in Taiwan and China. The national and international economic difficulties of 2008 and 2009 began a reversal of the trend of rising costs for our products and commodities used in the manufacture of our products, including a decrease in the cost of oil and diesel fuel. Throughout most of 2010 and 2011, the Company saw an end to decreasing costs and, in certain instances, moderate increases in the costs for our products and the most critical commodities used in the manufacture of our products. Additionally, unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations have increased the costs for many of our products. The Company took pricing action in 2011 and 2012 in an attempt to offset a portion of the product cost increases. While inflation and resulting cost increases over a period of years would result in significant increases in inventory costs and operating expenses, the opposite is true when exposed to a prolonged period of cost decreases. The ability of the Company’s operating divisions to institute price increases and seek price concessions, as appropriate, is dependent on competitive market conditions.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 vs Year Ended December 31, 2011

Revenues

Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $555.5 million compared to net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $506.5. The increase in revenues of $49.0 million was primarily attributable to an improvement in retail activity and certain pricing actions taken in early 2012 resulted in further revenue improvement over the prior year in our F&I hardware accounts, Regional accounts, the All Points division and for Home Depot. In addition, revenue increased from having a full year of the newly acquired TagWorks and Ook businesses which contributed approximately $16.3 million in incremental net sales to 2012.

28

Table of Contents

Expenses

Operating expenses were substantially higher for the year ended December 31, 2012 than for the year ended December 31, 2011. The primary reasons for the increase in operating expenses were the settlement of the Hy-Ko antitrust case and increase in legal cost related to the Hy-Ko patent infringement and antitrust litigation together with the inclusion of the newly acquired Ook business in the full year of 2012. In addition, the TagWorks business was acquired in March 2011 and therefore it contributed approximately nine months of operating expenses to 2011 and twelve months of operating expenses to 2012. The following changes in underlying trends also impacted the change in operating expenses:

29

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Sales and profitability for the year ended December 31, 2011, the seven months ended December 31, 2010 and the five months ended May 28, 2010:

30

Table of Contents

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2011 vs Predecessor Five Month Period of January 1 to May 28, 2010

Revenues

Successor net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 (“2011 twelve month period”) were $506.5 million, or $2.03 million per shipping day. The net sales for the Predecessor period of January 1 – May 28, 2010 (the “2010 five month period”) were $185.7 million, or $1.77 million per shipping day. The increase in revenues of $320.8 million was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 249 shipping days in the 2011 twelve month period compared to operating results from 105 shipping days in the 2010 five month period. The sales per shipping day of $2.03 million in the 2011 twelve month period were approximately 14.7% higher than the sales per shipping day of $1.77 million in the 2010 five month period. The increase in sales per day for the 2011 twelve month period was the result of including the incremental sales from the acquisitions of Servalite, TagWorks, and Ook together with higher seasonal sales per day during the June through December period in the twelve months of 2011 compared to the average sales per day for the January to May 2010 period.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $214.7 million compared to $104.6 million for the period of January 1 – May 28, 2010. The increase in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 is primarily due to the longer 249 day ship period for the year of 2011 compared to the 105 day ship period in the 2010 five month period The following changes in underlying trends also impacted the change in operating expenses:

31

Table of Contents

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2011 vs Successor Seven Month Period of May 28 to December 31, 2010

Revenues

Net sales for the Successor period of May 28 to December 31, 2010 (the “2010 seven month period”) were $276.7 million, or $1.92 million per shipping day, compared to net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $506.5 million, or $2.03 million per shipping day. The increase in revenues of $229.8 million for the 2011 twelve month period was directly attributable to comparing operating results of 249 shipping days in 2011 to the results from 144 shipping days in the 2010 seven month period. The increase in sales per day for the 2011 twelve month period was the result of including the incremental sales from the acquisitions of Servalite, TagWorks, and Ook which were partially offset by the high seasonal sales per day during the June through December period in the seven months of 2010 compared to the average sales per day for the January to December 2011 period.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $214.7 million compared to $123.6 million for the period of May 28 to December 31, 2010. The increase in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 is primarily due to the longer 249 day ship period for the year of 2011 compared to the 144 day ship period in the 2010 seven month period. The following changes in underlying trends also impacted the change in operating expenses:

32

Table of Contents

Income Taxes

Year Ended December 31, 2012 and Year Ended December 31, 2011

The effective income tax rates were 41.7% and 32.4% for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month period ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month Successor period ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to the increase in the valuation reserve recorded against certain deferred tax assets in addition to the effect of state rates. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 due to the effect of foreign and state taxes. See Note 6, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for income taxes and disclosures related to 2012 and 2011 income tax events.

Successor Year Ended December 31, 2011, Successor Seven Month Period Ended December 31, 2010, and Predecessor Five Month Period Ended May 28, 2010

The effective income tax rates were 32.4% for the twelve month Successor period ended December 31, 2011, 28.0% for the seven month Successor period ended December 31, 2010, and 8.9% for the five month Predecessor period ended May 28, 2010. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the twelve month Successor period ended December 31, 2011 and in the seven month Successor period ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the increase in the valuation reserve recorded against certain deferred tax assets in addition to the effect of state rates. The effective income tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate in the five month Predecessor period ended May 28, 2010 primarily due to the effect of nondeductible interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and nondeductible stock based compensation expense in addition to the effect of state rates. See Note 6, Income Taxes, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for income taxes and disclosures related to 2011 and 2010 income tax events.

33

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

The statements of cash flows reflect the changes in cash and cash equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (Successor), the seven months ended December 31, 2010 (Successor) and the five months ended May 28, 2010 (Predecessor) by classifying transactions into three major categories: operating, investing and financing activities. The cash flows from the Merger Transaction are separately discussed below.

Merger Transaction

In connection with the Merger Transaction in 2010, the Company issued common stock for $308.6 million in cash. Proceeds from borrowings under the Senior Facilities provided an additional $290.6 million and proceeds from the 10.875% Senior Notes provided $150.0 million, less aggregate financing fees of $15.7 million. The debt and equity proceeds were used to repay the existing senior and subordinated debt and accrued interest thereon of $199.1 million, to repurchase the existing shareholders’ common equity, preferred equity and stock options of $506.4 million, and to purchase the Quick-Tag™ license for $11.5 million. The remaining proceeds were used to pay transaction expenses of $16.4 million and prepaid expenses of $0.1 million.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $23.4 million was generated by the net loss of $7.2 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $40.5 million for depreciation, amortization, dispositions of equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, stock-based compensation and other non-cash interest which was partially offset by cash related adjustments of $9.9 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other assets. In 2012, routine operating activities used cash for an increase in inventories of $10.4 million, an increase in other assets of $3.9 million, a decrease in accounts payable of $1.1 million and other items of $1.0 million while operating activities provided cash from a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.4 million and an increase of accrued liabilities of $5.1 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $24.2 million was generated by the net loss of $9.8 million adjusted for non-cash charges of $40.7 million for depreciation, amortization, dispositions of equipment, deferred taxes, deferred financing, and other non-cash interest which was partially offset by cash related adjustments of $6.7 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other assets. In 2011, routine operating activities used cash for an increase in inventories of $2.2 million, accounts receivable of $4.4 million and other assets of $3.3 million. Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other items accounted for the remaining $3.2 million increase of cash provided by operating activities.

Excluding $17.5 million in cash used for the Merger Transaction, net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $28.2 million was the result of the net loss adjusted for non-cash charges of $25.0 million for depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, deferred financing, stock-based compensation and interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock and management purchased options in addition to cash related adjustments of $3.2 million for routine operating activities represented by changes in inventories, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other assets. In 2010, routine operating activities provided cash through an increase in accounts payable of $8.9 million and accrued liabilities of $8.2 million. This was partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $2.1 million, inventories of $8.7 million and other of $3.1 million.

34

Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $24.3 million, consisting of $12.1 million for key duplicating machines, $5.5 million for engraving machines, $5.6 million for computer software and equipment and $1.1 million for plant equipment and other equipment purchases.

Net cash used for investing activities was $73.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company used $40.3 million for the TagWorks Acquisition and $15.3 million for the Ook Acquisition. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $17.9 million, consisting of $8.8 million for key duplicating machines, $4.5 million for engraving machines, $3.4 million for computer software and equipment and $1.2 million for plant equipment and other equipment purchases.

The Company used cash of $11.5 million from the Merger Transaction to purchase the licensing rights and related patents for the Quick-Tag™ business. Excluding the $11.5 million used for the Quick-Tag™ acquisition, net cash used for investing activities was $37.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company used $21.3 million for the Servalite Acquisition and $1.3 million to purchase the licensing rights for the Laser Key business. Capital expenditures for the year totaled $15.1 million, consisting of $9.1 million for key duplicating machines, $1.7 million for engraving machines, and $4.3 million for computer software and equipment.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $54.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The borrowings on senior notes provided $69.2 million, including the premium received of $4.2 million, and were used together with the net proceeds from the term loan financing to pay the purchase price of the Paulin Acquisition, to repay a portion of indebtedness under the revolving credit facility and for general Company purposes. During 2012, the Company used cash to make payments of $12.4 million for additional acquisition consideration and $3.2 million for principal payments on the senior term loans. Other borrowings, net provided an additional $0.8 million in cash.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $53.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The borrowings on senior notes and senior term loans provided $81.3 million, net of financing fees, which was used primarily for the acquisitions discussed in investing activities and other Company purposes. During 2011, the Company used cash to make payments of $12.5 million for additional acquisition consideration, $12.0 million on the revolving credit loans and $3.0 million for principal payments on the senior term loans.

Excluding $29.0 million in cash provided by borrowings related to the Merger Transaction, net cash used for financing activities was $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The net cash used was primarily related to the principal payments on the senior term loans of $11.0 million and further payments of $0.6 million on the revolving credit facility and $0.5 million on capitalized lease obligations which were offset by new borrowings on the revolving credit facility of $12.0 million.

35

Table of Contents

Liquidity

The Company’s management believes that projected cash flows from operations and revolver availability will be sufficient to fund working capital and capital expenditure needs for the next 12 months.

The Company’s working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) position of $193.9 million as of December 31, 2012 represents an increase of $70.7 million from the December 31, 2011 level of $123.2 million. The primary reason for the increase in working capital was the receipt of funds from the offering of $65.0 million of the Company’s 10.875% Senior Notes.

36

Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

The Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 are summarized below:

The Company has a purchase agreement with its supplier of key blanks which requires minimum purchases of 100 million key blanks per year. To the extent minimum purchases of key blanks are below 100 million, the Company must pay the supplier $.0035 per key multiplied by the shortfall. Since the inception of the contract in 1998, the Company has purchased more than the requisite 100 million key blanks per year from the supplier. The Company extended this contract in 2009 for an additional four years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Borrowings

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $24.4 million available under its secured credit facilities. The Company had approximately $313.4 million of outstanding debt under its secured credit facilities at December 31, 2012, consisting of $312.4 million in term loans and $1.0 million in capitalized lease and other obligations. The term loans consisted of $312.4 million in Term B-2 Loans at a three (3) month LIBOR rate plus margin of 5.0%. The capitalized lease and other obligations were at various interest rates.

37

Table of Contents

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company borrowings were as follows:

On May 28, 2010, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries closed the Senior Facilities, consisting of a $290.0 million term loan and a $30.0 million Revolver. The term loan portion of the Senior Facilities had a six year term and the Revolver had a five year term. The Senior Facilities provide borrowings at interest rates based on a EuroDollar rate plus a margin of 3.75%, or a base rate plus a margin of 2.75%. The EuroDollar rate was subject to a minimum floor of 1.75% and the Base Rate was subject to a minimum floor of 2.75%.

Concurrently with the Merger Transaction, Hillman Group issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.875% Senior Notes. On March 16, 2011, Hillman Group completed an offering of $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.875% Senior Notes. Hillman Group received a premium of approximately $4.6 million on the $50.0 million 10.875% Senior Notes offering. On December 21, 2012, Hillman Group completed an offering of $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 10.875% Senior Notes. Hillman Group received a premium of approximately $4.2 million on the $65.0 million 10.875% Senior Notes offering. The 10.875% Senior Notes are guaranteed by The Hillman Companies, Inc., Hillman Investment Company and all of the domestic subsidiaries of Hillman Group. Hillman Group pays interest on the 10.875% Senior Notes semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

Effective April 18, 2011, the Company completed an amendment to the credit agreement governing its Senior Facilities. The Senior Facilities amendment eliminated the total leverage and interest coverage covenants and reduced the secured leverage covenant to 4.75x with no future step downs. The term loan pricing was modified to reduce the Eurodollar Margin and the Base Rate Margin by 25 basis points and reduce the floor on Eurodollar and Base Rate Loans by an additional 25 basis points. In connection with the amendment to the credit agreement, the Company incurred loan discount costs of approximately $1.3 million. As the modification of the Senior Facilities agreement was not substantial, the unamortized loan discount and debt issuance costs will be amortized over the term of the amended Senior Facilities.

38

Table of Contents

Effective November 4, 2011, the Company entered into a Joinder Agreement to its credit agreement under the existing Senior Facilities (the “2011 Incremental Facility”). The 2011 Incremental Facility increased the aggregate term loan commitments available to Hillman Group under the Senior Facilities by $30.0 million. In connection with the 2011 Incremental Facility, the Company incurred loan discount costs of approximately $0.8 million. As the modification of the Senior Facilities agreement was not substantial, the unamortized loan discount costs will be amortized over the term of the amended Senior Facilities. The aggregate principal amount of commitments under the Senior Facilities, after giving effect to the 2011 Incremental Facility, is $350.0 million. The Company used the proceeds for general corporate purposes.

The Company’s Senior Facilities require the maintenance of the secured leverage ratio described above and limit the ability of the Company to incur debt, make investments, make dividend payments to holders of the Trust Preferred Securities or undertake certain other business activities. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under the credit agreement, all amounts outstanding, together with accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable by our lenders. Below are the calculations of the financial covenant, as amended on April 18, 2011, with the Senior Facilities requirement for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012:

Related Party Transactions

The Predecessor was obligated to pay management fees to a subsidiary of CHS in the amount of $58 thousand per month. The Predecessor was also obligated to pay transaction fees to a subsidiary of OTPP in the amount of $26 thousand per month, plus out of pocket expenses. The Successor has recorded management fee charges of $155 for the year ended December 31, 2012, $110 for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $0 for the seven month period ended December 31, 2010. The Predecessor has recorded aggregate management and transaction fee charges and expenses from CHS and OTPP of $438 thousand for the five month period ended May 28, 2010.

Gregory Mann and Gabrielle Mann are employed by the All Points subsidiary of Hillman. All Points leases an industrial warehouse and office facility from companies under the control of the Manns. The Predecessor and Successor have recorded rental expense for the lease of this facility on an arm’s length basis. The Successor recorded rental expense for the lease of this facility in the amount of $311 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2012, $311 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $181 thousand for the seven month period ended December 31, 2010. The Predecessor recorded rental expense for the lease of this facility in the amount of $130 thousand for the five month period ended May 28, 2010.

39

Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As disclosed in that note, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Future events cannot be predicted with certainty and, therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates. The following section describes the Company’s critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue is recognized when products are shipped or delivered to customers depending upon when title and risks of ownership have passed and the collection of the relevant receivables is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis and therefore excluded from revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The Company offers a variety of sales incentives to its customers primarily in the form of discounts, rebates and slotting fees. Discounts are recognized in the financial statements at the date of the related sale. Rebates are estimated based on the revenue to date and the contractual rebate percentage to be paid. A portion of the estimated cost of the rebate is allocated to each underlying sales transaction. Discounts, rebates and slotting fees are included in the determination of net sales.

The Company also establishes reserves for customer returns and allowances. The reserve is established based on historical rates of returns and allowances. The reserve is adjusted quarterly based on actual experience. Returns and allowances are included in the determination of net sales.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

The Company establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method and also provides a reserve in the aggregate. The estimates for calculating the aggregate reserve are based on historical information. Increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts result in a corresponding expense. The Company writes off individual accounts receivable when they become uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $1.1 million and $641 thousand as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Inventory Realization:

Inventories consisting predominantly of finished goods are valued at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined principally on the weighted average cost method. Excess and obsolete inventories are carried at net realizable value. The historical usage rate is the primary factor used by the Company in assessing the net realizable value of excess and obsolete inventory. A reduction in the carrying value of an inventory item from cost to market is recorded for inventory with no usage in the preceding twenty-four month period or with on-hand quantities in excess of twenty-four months average usage. The inventory reserve amounts were $6.9 million and $7.4 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

Goodwill represents the excess purchase cost over the fair value of net assets of companies acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is an indefinite lived asset and is assessed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs. If the carrying amount of goodwill is greater than the fair value, impairment may be present. ASC 350 permits an entity to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount before

40

Table of Contents

applying the two-step goodwill impairment model. If it is determined through the qualitative assessment that a reporting unit’s fair value is more likely than not greater than its carrying value, the remaining impairment steps would be unnecessary. The qualitative assessment is optional, allowing companies to go directly to the quantitative assessment.

The quantitative assessment for goodwill impairment is a two-step test. Under the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Company must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.

The Company also evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks and trade names) for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is below its carrying amount. In connection with the evaluation, an independent appraiser assessed the value of its intangible assets based on a relief from royalties, excess earnings, and lost profits discounted cash flow model. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the estimated fair value on the measurement date.

The Company’s annual impairment assessment is performed for the reporting units as of October 1. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit subject to the impairment test exceeded its carrying cost. The October 1 goodwill and intangible impairment test data aligns the impairment assessment with the preparation of the Company’s annual strategic plan and allows additional time for a more thorough analysis by the Company’s independent appraiser. An independent appraiser assessed the value of The Company’s goodwill based on a discounted cash flow model and multiple of earnings. Assumptions critical to the Company’s fair value estimates under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rate, projected average revenue growth and projected long-term growth rates in the determination of terminal values. No impairment charges were recorded by the Company in 2012 or 2011 as a result of the annual impairment assessment.

Long-Lived Assets:

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment and will continue to evaluate them based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. No impairment charges were recognized for long-lived assets in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Income Taxes:

Deferred income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided for tax benefits where it is more likely than not that certain tax benefits will not be realized. Adjustments to valuation allowances are recorded for changes in utilization of the tax related item. For additional information, see Note 6, Income Taxes, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Risk Insurance Reserves:

The Company self-insures its product liability, automotive, workers’ compensation and general liability losses up to $250 thousand per occurrence. Catastrophic coverage has

41

Table of Contents

been purchased from third party insurers for occurrences in excess of $250 thousand up to $40.0 million. The two risk areas involving the most significant accounting estimates are workers’ compensation and automotive liability. Actuarial valuations performed by the Company’s outside risk insurance expert were used to form the basis for workers’ compensation and automotive liability loss reserves. The actuary contemplated the Company’s specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors to estimate the range of reserves required. Risk insurance reserves are comprised of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts expected for development of these claims, as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The Company management believes that the liability recorded for such risk insurance reserves is adequate as of December 31, 2012, but due to judgments inherent in the reserve estimation process, it is possible that the ultimate costs will differ materially from this estimate.

The Company self-insures its group health claims up to an annual stop loss limit of $200 thousand per participant. Aggregate coverage is maintained for annual group health insurance claims in excess of 125% of expected claims. Historical group insurance loss experience forms the basis for the recognition of group health insurance reserves. The Company management believes the liability recorded for such insurance reserves is adequate as of December 31, 2012, but due to judgments inherent in the reserve estimation process, it is possible that the ultimate costs will differ materially from this estimate.

Common Stock:

After consummation of the Merger Transaction, Hillman has one class of common stock. All outstanding shares of Hillman common stock are owned by Holdco. Under the terms of the Stockholders Agreement for the Holdco common stock, management shareholders have the ability to put their shares back to Holdco under certain conditions, including death or disability. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480-10-S99 requires shares to be classified outside of permanent equity if they can be redeemed and the redemption is not solely within control of the issuer. Further, if it is determined that redemption of the shares is probable, the shares are marked to redemption value, which equals fair value, at each balance sheet date with the change in value recorded in additional paid-in capital. The 198.3 shares of common stock held by management are recorded outside permanent equity and were adjusted to the fair value of $14,116 as of December 31, 2012 and $12,247 as of December 31, 2011.

As of December 31, 2012, the fair value of the management owned common stock was based upon an independent valuation appraisal of the common stock. An independent appraiser assessed the value of the Company’s common stock based on a discounted cash flow model and multiple of earnings. Assumptions critical to the Company’s common stock value under the discounted cash flow model include the discount rate, projected average revenue growth and projected long-term growth rates in the determination of terminal values. In periods prior to December 31, 2012, the fair value of the management owned common stock was determined by the Board of Directors using an enterprise basis and taking into account all relevant market factors.

The fair value of the common stock has been calculated at each balance sheet date prior to December 31, 2012 by estimating the enterprise value of the Company less the redemption value of all obligations payable in preference to the common stock. These obligations include the long term debt, senior notes, bank revolving credit and the Trust Preferred Securities. The remainder was divided by the fully diluted common shares outstanding to arrive at a fair value per common share outstanding.

The enterprise value of the Company was determined based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for management fees, stock compensation costs, and other acquisition and integration related general and administrative costs (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the most recent twelve month period multiplied by a valuation multiple. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company applied valuation multiples of 9.78x and 9.83x, respectively, to trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA in determining enterprise value. Management periodically reviews the appropriateness of this multiple and notes that it was consistent with comparable distribution companies.

A change of 0.1 in the valuation multiple used to calculate the enterprise value at December 31, 2011 adjusted the per share fair value of the common stock by approximately $26.85.

42

Table of Contents

The calculation of the fair value of the common stock as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is detailed below together with the presentation of the fair value of the common stock as of December 31, 2012: