<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1994
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1994
<CASH>                                           6,040
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  123,561
<ALLOWANCES>                                    21,621
<INVENTORY>                                     29,191
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               218,079
<PP&E>                                          78,265
<DEPRECIATION>                                  31,954
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 599,371
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          208,990
<BONDS>                                        246,187
<COMMON>                                            32
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         12
<OTHER-SE>                                     115,844
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   599,371
<SALES>                                        408,501
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               408,501
<CGS>                                          324,725
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  324,725
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               111,639
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                18,484
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              18,181
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              (172,197)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       758
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          (172,716)
<DISCONTINUED>                                (38,229)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (8,000)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 (218,945)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (8.37)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (6.87)