<PAGE>   1
                     U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-QSB

                                   (Mark One)
[x]      QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
         ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2001

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from         to

                          Commission file no. 0-15303

                                   UNICO, INC.
                 (Name Of Small Business Issuer In Its Charter)



            Delaware                                  73-1215433
(State or Other Jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer
 Incorporation)                                    Identification No.)


  24 Lakeside Avenue, Pompton Lakes, NJ                  07442
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)             (Zip Code)

                                 (973) 839-7200
                (Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Check whether the issue: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 [ ]

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity as of the latest practical date: As of April 9, the company had
16,879,163 shares of common stock outstanding, $0.01 par value.

                                   UNICO, INC.
                                   Form 10-QSB
                                Quarterly Report
                       For The Period Ended June 30, 2001
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                     PART I

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...............................................   3

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS ...............................   4


                                   PART II

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ..................................................   7

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES ..............................................   7

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES ....................................   7

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS ................   7

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION ..................................................   7

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ...................................   7

SIGNATURES
</TABLE>


                                      2
<PAGE>   3
ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

      As used herein, the term "Company" refers to Unico, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its subsidiaries and predecessors unless otherwise indicated.
Consolidated, unaudited, condensed interim financial statements including a
balance sheet for the Company as of the quarter ended June, 2001 and statements
of operations, and statements of cash flows for the interim period up to the
date of such balance sheet and the comparable of the preceding year are attached
hereto as Pages F-1 through F-5 and are incorporated herein by this reference.













               [THIS SPACE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY.]


















                                      3
<PAGE>   4
                          UNICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                               AS OF JUNE 30, 2001


                                     ASSETS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
Current assets
     Cash and cash equivalents                                         $        --
     Accounts and notes receivable                                          82,223
                                                                       -----------
         Total current assets                                               82,223
                                                                       -----------
Fixed assets
     Equipment - net                                                        96,175
                                                                       -----------
         Total fixed assets                                                 96,175
                                                                       -----------
Other assets
     Goodwill                                                              921,115
     Gas, oil and mineral lease                                             40,000
     All other assets                                                       24,010
                                                                       -----------
         Total other assets                                            $   985,125
                                                                       -----------

         Total assets                                                  $ 1,163,523
                                                                       ===========

     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)

Current liabilities
     Bank overdraft                                                    $    38,094
     Accounts payable                                                      370,088
     Other short term debt                                                 305,314
     Due on Independent News acquisition                                   156,000
                                                                       -----------
         Total current liabilities                                         869,496
                                                                       -----------
Long-term liabilities
     Due to shareholder                                                    240,311
     Accrual for litigation                                                960,000
                                                                       -----------
         Total long-term liabilities                                     1,200,311
                                                                       -----------

         Total liabilities                                               2,069,807
                                                                       -----------

Stockholders' equity (deficiency)
     Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares
         authorized, 16,005,496 shares issued and outstanding
         at June 30, 2001                                                  160,055
     Additional paid-in capital                                          7,587,393
     Retained earnings (deficit)                                        (8,653,732)
                                                                       -----------
         Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)                          (906,284)
                                                                       -----------

         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficiency)       $ 1,163,523
                                                                       ===========
</TABLE>



                                     F-1

<PAGE>   5
                           UNICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
            UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30,


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Three Months Ended                Six Months Ended
                                                               June 30,                        June 30,

                                                         2001             2000            2001             2000
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
Revenue
     Advertising income                              $    596,380     $        --     $  1,038,927     $        --
     Other income                                          11,567              --           37,522              --
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------
     Gross income                                         607,947              --        1,076,449              --
     (Less) : cost of production                         (223,649)            (--)        (367,196)            (--)
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------
          Gross profit                                    384,298              --          709,253              --
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------

Expenses
     Postage                                              137,137              --          266,877              --
     Selling, general and administrative expenses         397,368         527,545          636,232         561,138
     Provision for litigation                                  --              --               --              --
     Depreciation of equipment                             16,834              --           31,366              --
     Amortization of goodwill                              16,333              --           32,666              --
     Debt elimination-sale of BidInvite                        --              --               --              --
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------
          Total Expenses                                  567,672         527,545          967,141         561,138
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------

Income (loss) from operations                            (183,374)       (527,545)        (257,888)       (561,138)
     Provision for income taxes                             1,005              --            1,005              --
                                                     ------------     -----------     ------------     -----------

Net income (loss) from operations                        (184,379)       (527,545)        (258,893)       (561,138)

Extraordinary items, net of taxes
     Write (down) of long term assets impaired                 --              --               --              --
     Income from cancellation of debt                          --              --               --              --
     Income (loss) from discontinued operations                --              --               --              --

Net income (loss)                                    $   (184,379)    $  (527,545)    $   (258,893)    $  (561,138)
                                                     ============     ===========     ============     ===========



Basic and dilutive earnings (loss) per share
     Income (loss) from continuing operations        $      (0.01)    $     (0.07)    $      (0.02)    $     (0.08)
                                                     ============     ===========     ============     ===========

Net income (loss) per share

Weighted average common shares
     Basic and dilutive common shares                  16,005,496       7,273,846       14,255,496       7,273,846
                                                     ============     ===========     ============     ===========
</TABLE>

                                     F-2

<PAGE>   6
                          UNICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
            For the Years Ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 (audited)
               For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2001 (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Common Stock                                  Retained          Net
                                                  -------------------------     Paid In     Dividend   Earnings        Equity
                                                     Shares        Amount       Capital     Declared   (Deficit)    (Deficiency)
                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   --------  -----------   -----------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>
Balance as of December 31, 1998                     1,877,272   $    18,773   $ 7,921,443   $172,665  $(6,768,187)  $ 1,344,694

Correction number of shares outstanding               168,600         1,686        (1,686)                                   --

Stock issued for services                             133,313         1,333        11,167                                12,500

Dividend paid                                                                               (172,665)                  (172,665)

Off-set of amount received on sale of subsidiary                               (1,106,399)                           (1,106,399)

Stock issued in connection with Silver Valley
  acquisition                                       3,500,000        35,000         7,500                                42,500

Contribution to capital                               250,000         2,500         2,500                                 5,000

Net income (loss) for the period                                                                         (211,571)     (211,571)

                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   --------  -----------   -----------
Balance as of December 31, 1999                     5,929,185   $    59,292   $ 6,834,525   $     --  $(6,979,758)  $   (85,941)

Acquisition of BidInvite                              100,000         1,000        (1,000)                                   --

Capital contribution                                  300,000                      80,000                                80,000

Stock issued for services                           2,976,311        32,763       271,604                               304,367

Independent News Acquisition                        3,200,000        32,000       367,264                               399,264

Net income (loss) for the period                                                                       (1,415,081)   (1,415,081)

                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   --------  -----------   -----------
Balance as of December 31, 2000                    12,505,496   $   125,055   $ 7,552,393   $     --  $(8,394,839)  $  (717,391)

Net income (loss) for the period                                                                          (74,514)      (74,514)

                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   --------  -----------   -----------
Balance as of March 31, 2001                       12,505,496   $   125,055   $ 7,552,393   $     --  $(8,469,353)  $  (791,905)

Stock issued for services                           3,500,000        35,000        35,000                                70,000

Net income (loss) for the period                                                                         (184,379)     (184,379)

                                                  -----------   -----------   -----------   --------  -----------   -----------
Balance as of June 30, 2001                        16,005,496   $   160,055   $ 7,587,393   $     --  $(8,653,732)  $  (906,284)
                                                  ===========   ===========   ===========   ========  ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

                                     F-3

<PAGE>   7
                           UNICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
             UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 AND 2000

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            2001            2000
                                                                       ---------       ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
     Net income (loss)                                                 $(258,893)      $(561,138)
                                                                       ---------       ---------

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   Provided by operating activities:
      Income from cancellation of debt                                        --              --
      Income from debt elimination-sale of BidInvite                          --              --
      Provision for litigation                                                --              --
      Depreciation                                                        31,366              --
      Amortization                                                        32,666              --
      Stock issued for services rendered                                  70,000              --
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net                     99,723              --
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                     --              --
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                             75,465         134,771
      Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities                   (53,835)         42,200
      Increase (decrease) in due on Independent News Acq.                     --              --
                                                                       ---------       ---------
                 Net cash provided (used) by operating activities         (3,508)       (384,167)
                                                                       ---------       ---------

Cash flows from investing activities
      Purchase of equipment                                               (1,152)        (72,666)
      Acquisition of subsidiary Independent News, net of cash                 --              --
      (Increase) in other assets                                         (12,231)             --
                                                                       ---------       ---------
                 Net cash provided (used) by investing activities        (13,383)        (72,666)
                                                                       ---------       ---------

Cash flows from financing activities
      Increase (decrease) in bank overdraft                               16,763              --
      Proceeds from sale of stock and additional capital                      --         313,217
      Increase (decrease) due to shareholder                                  --         139,092
                                                                       ---------       ---------
                 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities         16,763         452,309
                                                                       ---------       ---------

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                            (128)         (4,524)

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period                              128           4,910
                                                                       ---------       ---------

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period                              $      --       $     386
                                                                       =========       =========



Supplemental cash flows disclosure
      Cash paid for interest                                           $      --       $      --
                                                                       =========       =========

NON CASH ITEMS
      Stock issued for services rendered                               $  70,000       $      --
      Provision for litigation                                                --              --
      Income from debt cancellation                                           --              --
      Income from debt elimination                                            --              --
</TABLE>


                                     F-4

<PAGE>   8
                          UNICO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                       FOR THE PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

      The interim financial statements at June 30, 2001, and for the three and
      six month periods ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 are unaudited, but include
      all adjustments which the Company considers necessary for a fair
      presentation.

      The accompanying unaudited financial statements are for the interim
      periods and do not include all disclosures normally provided in annual
      financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's
      Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2000. The accompanying
      unaudited interim financial statements for the three and six month periods
      ended June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results which
      can be expected for the entire year.

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
      accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires
      management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
      amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
      and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
      period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 2 - STOCK ISSUANCE

      On April 8, 2001, the Company filed with the Securities & Exchange
      Commission Form S-8 that registered approximately 3,500,000 shares of the
      Company, which were given to various employees, Directors, and consultants
      in lieu of cash payments for a total dollar amount of $70,000.





                                     F-5
<PAGE>   9
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

On July 1, 2000, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of
The Independent News, Inc. for its common stock and other consideration. The
Independent News is a freely distributed, independent newspaper servicing
various communities in Northern New Jersey. Prior to that time, the Company was
a publicly traded "shell" company.

The newspaper publishes several weekly editions in its region and two monthly
editions. The weekly editions have a circulation of approximately 70,000 while
the monthly circulation is approximately 40,000. The newspaper contains news
content and advertisements for local business establishments along with
classified advertisements. Revenues primarily come from Advertising display
advertisements (82%), classified advertisements (12%), and inserts sales and
other commissions (5%).


The year 2000 had no revenue. Revenues were not generated until the Company
acquired The Independent News on July 1, 2000. Consequently, income and expenses
are not comparable between 2001 and 2000.

However, we can make some comparisons between the first and second quarters of
2001 Gross revenue for the three months ending June 30, 2001 were $607,947
compared to the prior three months ending March 31, 2001 of $468,502, an
increase of $139,444, or up 30%. Gross profit for the same periods went from
$324,955 to $384,298, an increase of $59,343, or up 18%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses are up $158,504, or up 66% for the
three months ending June 30, 2001 of $397,368, compared to the three months
ending March 31, 2001 of $238,864. The primary increase of $158,504 in selling,
general and administrative expenses come from an increase in employee and non
employee compensation and services, $70,000 of which is services for common
stock in the Company. All other expenses are comparable between the first and
second quarters of 2001.

Prior to the acquisition of The Independent News, its shareholder, NexGen,
advanced approximately $270,000 to the newspaper. In connection with the
acquisition, NexGen agreed to convert its receivable from the Independent News
into "trade credits," which essentially entitles NexGen to receive $270,000 of
free advertising. The Independent News adjusted this liability to an amount
which it believes is the cost of providing the free advertising, resulting in
cancellation of debt in the amount of $245,000. This debt cancellation is
accounted for as a non-recurring item.



                                       4
<PAGE>   10
As previously outlined in the "The Company's Business", The Independent News and
the Company have developed a web-site that places advertisers' advertisements on
the Internet permitting The Independent News to charge higher than normal
advertising rates. This "platform" can be migrated to other non-competing
newspapers allowing them to place their advertisers' advertisements on the
Internet, permitting them to charge higher rates as well. The Company is
marketing the web product to other newspapers without charging any up-front fees
and shares in additional revenue by charging 50% of the additional revenue
collected.

The Company plans to vigorously market this product, as it believes that
approximately 90% of the 15,000 freely distributed newspapers in the U.S. do not
have web-sites.

Mr. Joe Nicastro is the Publisher of The Independent News and has 15 years in
the Newspaper business. He is also a Past President of the Independent Free
Papers of America, the largest trade association of free papers in the U.S. and,
as such, has numerous contacts in the industry.

The marketing efforts are largely conducted through personal contacts, attending
trade shows at various locations throughout the U.S., distribution of marketing
materials, and other personal approaches. The Company plans to hire a National
Sales Manager and General Manager in the next several months to augment its
expansion activities in this area.

The Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Merrimack
Publisher, a software company that produces and maintains software that is
specific to the publishing industry. It is the Company's plan to integrate this
software with its two web-based advertising platforms, The Web In a Box and The
Local Times and to convert the current operating environment from its existing
DOS based environment to a Windows environment.

The Company is actively negotiating a settlement with the prior owners of Silver
Valley Energy due to its acquisition of same and believes that it can reach an
amicable non-monetary settlement.

The Company's officers and directors have waived all current payment of cash
compensation, and uses its stock as payment for services provided by outside
consultants and advisors.

In addition, the Company is seeking financing from outside sources.


                                       5
<PAGE>   11
                                    PART II

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES




The following information sets forth certain information as of June 30, 2001 for
changes in securities since December 31, 2000. On April 8, 2001, the Company
filed with the SEC Form S-8 registering 3,503,667 shares of its common stock.
The stock was given to various employees, consultants, and advisors in lieu of
monetary payments.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

NexGen, the seller of The Independent News, is claiming that the Company is in
default on its $200,000 obligation to NexGen because of the Company's failure to
pay interest and principle on the appropriate date. The Company believes it is
not in default, because it has advanced monies to outside third parties on
NexGen's behalf, and that certain misrepresentations were made concerning
financial aspects of The Independent News.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION. None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. None.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed in its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on August 21, 2001.

Unico, Inc.
Registrant

/s/ Joe Nicastro

Joe Nicastro
President




                                       6