<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JOSTENS,
INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE NINE MONTH
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, AND 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-30-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-02-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 15,435
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 99,948
<ALLOWANCES> 5,283
<INVENTORY> 65,873
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 228,747
<PP&E> 283,631
<DEPRECIATION> 205,829
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 380,292
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 210,970
<BONDS> 700,533
46,501
0
<COMMON> 1,015
<OTHER-SE> (580,169)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 380,292
<SALES> 594,584
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 594,584
<CGS> 265,044
<TOTAL-COSTS> 265,044
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 294,965
<LOSS-PROVISION> 1,885
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 37,666
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,249)
<INCOME-TAX> 11,476
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (13,725)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (13,725)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.84)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.84)
</TABLE>