Talk about hedge fund volatility

Peloton Partners LLP, the London- based hedge-fund firm run by former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. partners, is liquidating its ABS Fund after ``severe'' losses on mortgage-backed debt and demands from banks to repay loans.

Peloton, founded by Ron Beller and Geoff Grant in 2005, is seeking buyers for the $1.8 billion fund's assets, according to a letter sent today to investors. Firms including Citadel Investment Group LLC and GLG Partners Inc. have made bids, two people familiar with the situation said.

The fund's demise after an 87 percent gain last year highlights the severity of the U.S. subprime-mortgage collapse, which has spread to AAA-rated securities and triggered bank margin calls. Boston-based Sowood Capital Management LP shut down last year after losing $1.5 billion. Two funds managed by New York-based Bear Stearns Cos. filed for bankruptcy.