<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THERMOQUEST
CORP.'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 1996
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-28-1996
<CASH>                                         159,553
<SECURITIES>                                     7,524
<RECEIVABLES>                                   81,155
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,454
<INVENTORY>                                     61,197
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               315,872
<PP&E>                                          69,505
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,513
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 532,419
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          111,333
<BONDS>                                        104,831
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           485
<OTHER-SE>                                     292,923
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   532,419
<SALES>                                        227,146
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               227,146
<CGS>                                          120,529
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  120,529
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                16,605
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    56
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,501
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 33,495
<INCOME-TAX>                                    14,238
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             19,257
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    19,257
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .41
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0