<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Consolidated Statement of Operations and the Consolidated Balance sheets
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1998
<CASH>                                               0
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  158,700
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,400
<INVENTORY>                                    142,400
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               342,500
<PP&E>                                         375,500
<DEPRECIATION>                                 160,100
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 614,800
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          244,600
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         3,500
<OTHER-SE>                                     224,400
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   614,800
<SALES>                                        496,500
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               496,500
<CGS>                                          264,800
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  264,800
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               191,300
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               7,200
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 36,300
<INCOME-TAX>                                    11,500
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             24,800
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    24,800
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.72
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.68