<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated balance sheet of Dictaphone Corporation at September 30,
2000 and the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the 5 months
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-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 1,572
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 83,930
<ALLOWANCES> 5,939
<INVENTORY> 14,235
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 134,879
<PP&E> 65,000
<DEPRECIATION> 32,294
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 991,108
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 121,509
<BONDS> 315,416
0
0
<COMMON> 1
<OTHER-SE> 518,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 991,108
<SALES> 50,107
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 86,020
<CGS> 51,181
<TOTAL-COSTS> 145,507
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 15,874
<INCOME-PRETAX> (75,513)
<INCOME-TAX> 468
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (75,045)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (75,045)
<EPS-BASIC> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>