Consumer finance group Homebuy has fallen into administration despite announcing record profits only a few weeks previously. The UK company failed to secure the funding needed to continue trading from its bankers. Investors have demanded an explanation for the group's apparent sudden demise, and the Alternative Investment Market is believed to be launching an enquiry. Homebuy employs 1,500 people and specialises in the sale of expensive electronic equipment such as plasma screen TVs to customers with poor credit ratings. Administrators at PWC said they were confident that a buyer would be found but would not reveal the identity of any potential suitors.