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The chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, has stated that his company has made some investments of this kind through its Clayton Homes housing unit.
Other companies have also been seeking bargains on the market including Pacific Management Co and Zurich Financial Services.
Mr Buffett commented: "We have bought some subprime paper in the open market, as people have wanted to sell portfolios. We listen to anything we hear about. If it is big and unusual, and carries the proper premium, we listen."
There has also been speculation that there are plans by the chief executive to undertake some big investments after announcements made by him last month.
Warren Buffett is the richest man in the world with a net worth of $62 billion (£31 billion) according to Forbes.
