<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         MAY-02-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            AUG-03-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              NOV-01-1997
<CASH>                                             9,565
<SECURITIES>                                           0      
<RECEIVABLES>                                    324,269
<ALLOWANCES>                                           0
<INVENTORY>                                      214,748
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 559,203
<PP&E>                                           199,886
<DEPRECIATION>                                   109,918
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   720,635
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            283,080
<BONDS>                                          150,440
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                  0
<PREFERRED>                                            0
<COMMON>                                             330
<OTHER-SE>                                       282,050
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     720,635
<SALES>                                          315,285
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 315,285
<CGS>                                            240,029      
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                    240,029
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  60,795
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 3,492
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   10,969
<INCOME-TAX>                                       4,387
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                8,320<F1>
<DISCONTINUED>                                         0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                        0
<CHANGES>                                              0
<NET-INCOME>                                       8,320
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        .25
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        .25

<FN>
<F1> The Company recognized minority interest income in the amount of $1,738,000
     in the consolidated statement of operations, which represents the minority
     Shareholders' portion of the loss for less than wholly owned subsidiaries.
</FN>