Steven Anreder a Drexel spokesman, said the firm had not studied the suit and was unable to comment.

"There is no question we will be able to market the issues," said Steven Anreder, a Drexel spokesman.

A Drexel spokesman said the firm had no comment on the settlement.

"These discussions are still under way," a Drexel spokesman said, adding that a settlement was still expected.

A Drexel spokesman said that the firm was not concerned about the ruling.

The interest rate on the notes may be changed before maturity, according to the Drexel spokesman, but details were not available.

A Drexel spokesman said yesterday's ruling would not affect those plans.

A Drexel spokesman, Steven Anreder, said the firm would have no comment.

About half of those dismissed were support staff members, the Drexel spokesman said.

Steven Anreder, a Drexel spokesman, said the firm had no comment about the city's decision.