
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This financial data schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from the Company's nine months ended September 30, 1995 consolidated Statement
of Income and the condensed Balance Sheet.  This information is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1995
<CASH>                                          96,446
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  114,377
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               224,781
<PP&E>                                          57,799
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,201
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,365,555<F1>
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          155,599
<BONDS>                                        674,216<F2>
<COMMON>                                           308
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                     492,710
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,365,555
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               497,950
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  311,762
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                68,432<F3>
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              32,359
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 85,397
<INCOME-TAX>                                    36,548
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             48,849
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    48,849
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.57
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.56
<FN>
<F1>Includes $1,051,854,000 of cost assigned to contracts acquired, net.
<F2>Includes $158,500,000 in Senior notes payable and $515,716,000 in Subordinated
notes payable.
<F3>Represents amortization of cost assigned to contracts acquired for the nine
months ended September 30, 1995.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>
