Zillow Group (Z, ZG) and Rocket Companies' (RKT) Redfin are headed to trial in August in the Federal Trade Commission's challenge to their apartment-listing partnership after the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia declined the government's request for an early ruling, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

US District Judge Anthony Trenga said at a hearing in Alexandria the case involves too many disputes to decide before a trial, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and last two weeks, according to the report.

At Wednesday's hearing, FTC lawyer Allyson Maltas said the deal between Zillow and Redfin reduced competition for internet listing services on apartment rentals, the report added.

"The FTC asked the court to partially resolve this case before Zillow has the opportunity to present its full evidence at trial - evidence that will demonstrate the pro-competitive effects of this partnership for renters and housing providers. We are pleased with the court's decision today, and look forward to presenting the full record at trial next month," Zillow said Wednesday in a statement.

Rocket Companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment by MT Newswires.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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