<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the July 31,
1997 consolidated financial statements and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-31-1997
<CASH>                                          41,636
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  512,089
<ALLOWANCES>                                    57,819
<INVENTORY>                                    511,702
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,046,879
<PP&E>                                         177,453
<DEPRECIATION>                                  39,442
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,281,206
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          169,749
<BONDS>                                        451,459
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           350
<OTHER-SE>                                     541,224
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,281,206
<SALES>                                      1,253,818
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,253,818
<CGS>                                          643,318
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  643,318
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                55,850
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              36,098
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 79,858
<INCOME-TAX>                                    29,305
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             50,553
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    50,553
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.38
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.37