<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-28-1997
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<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  452300
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           150100
<BONDS>                                              0
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<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                          1700
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<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    452300
<SALES>                                         259400
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                259400
<CGS>                                           132300
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<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     18400
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.03
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0