<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-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1995
<CASH>                                           9,060
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  102,204
<ALLOWANCES>                                    14,461
<INVENTORY>                                     17,426
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               178,238
<PP&E>                                          76,011
<DEPRECIATION>                                  35,641
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 560,861
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          179,880
<BONDS>                                        313,206
<COMMON>                                            32
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                         12
<OTHER-SE>                                      61,104
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   560,861
<SALES>                                        450,457
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               450,457
<CGS>                                          332,929
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  332,929
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 6,166
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              17,663
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (9,607)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,164
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (10,869)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (10,869)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.42)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.10)