<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the June 30,
2000 Form 10-Q of Nvest, L.P. and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 36
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 3,895
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 3,931
<PP&E> 0
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 71,126
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3,594
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 67,532
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 71,126
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 6,497
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,661
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 4,836
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 4,836
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 4,836
<EPS-BASIC> 0.77
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.76
</TABLE>