<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000027937
<NAME> DELAWARE GROUP EQUITY FUNDS III
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 051
<NAME> DELAWARE RESEARCH FUND A CLASS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUN-30-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
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</TABLE>
