<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the Balance
Sheet as of June 30, 1999 and the related Statement of Income for the year to
date ended June 30, 1999.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999
<CASH>                                           2,899
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  104,197
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,514
<INVENTORY>                                    116,898
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               241,740
<PP&E>                                          57,631
<DEPRECIATION>                                  33,055
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 373,485
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           93,320
<BONDS>                                         60,000<F1>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                          115,376<F2>
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            72
<OTHER-SE>                                      11,338
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   373,485
<SALES>                                        352,918
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               352,918
<CGS>                                          211,314
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  145,795
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (194)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   970
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,384
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (14,497)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (8,800)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,800)
<EPS-BASIC>                                   (1.30)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.30)
<FN>
<F1>Bonds represents all long-term debt for Senior Notes.
<F2>Represents Guaranteed Preferred Beneficial Interests in the corporation's
    Junior Subordinated Debentures.
</FN>