<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM SOVEREIGN
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS INC.'S SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 4,195
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 46,213
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 27,540
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 84,165
<PP&E> 66,990
<DEPRECIATION> 16,153
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 253,443
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 43,977
<BONDS> 149,026
0
22
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 53,831
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 253,443
<SALES> 186,803
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 186,803
<CGS> 128,197
<TOTAL-COSTS> 128,197
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 39,626
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 14,825
<INCOME-PRETAX> 4,155
<INCOME-TAX> 2,276
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 1,879
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (4,828)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (2,949)
<EPS-BASIC> 0.00
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.00
</TABLE>