<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
third quarter 10-q and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
10-q.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           3,324
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  269,152
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                      5,230
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               343,905
<PP&E>                                          74,353
<DEPRECIATION>                                  19,281
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 440,639
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          236,386
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         2,643
<OTHER-SE>                                      79,012
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   440,639
<SALES>                                        313,575
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               313,575
<CGS>                                          232,185
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  232,185
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                42,716
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               8,304
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 30,370
<INCOME-TAX>                                    10,940
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,430
<DISCONTINUED>                                     176
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    19,606
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.18