Gascoigne Halman’s legal challenge to the ruling that Agents Mutual was not anti-competitive with its ‘one other portal’ ruling is scheduled to be heard over three days later this month.

The case is due to start on November 27.

Connells brand Gascoigne Halman had suggested from the start that it would appeal against the Competition Appeals Tribunal ruling of last year, and leave to appeal was granted in December.

As an independent before its acquisition by Connells, Gascoigne Halman had been an early supporter of OnTheMarket, the portal launched by Agents Mutual. The ‘one other portal’ rule was dropped when OnTheMarket floated on AIM in February this year.

A spokesperson for OTM said: “In July 2017, judgment was handed down by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in favour of Agents’ Mutual and against Gascoigne Halman Limited on all competition issues: the One Other Portal rule was upheld as lawful and enforceable and Agents’ Mutual was awarded £1.2m as an interim payment towards its litigation costs.

“In December 2017, having had an application to appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal refused, Gascoigne Halman Ltd was granted leave to appeal the judgment of the Competition Appeal Tribunal at the Court of Appeal. Having taken appropriate legal advice, the Company remains confident that the judgment of the Competition Appeal Tribunal will be upheld. As litigation is ongoing, we have no further comment to make at this stage.”
There was no comment from Connells.